J. A. Rumball, P. L. Breuer
Calaverite is a gold telluride found in various locations, recognized for its cyanidation under high pH conditions that notably increase leach rates above pH 12 due to hydroxide ion concentration. This study investigates the limitations posed by lime in achieving high pH, as it saturates around pH 12, impacted by the presence of common ions. Observations from plant operations, laboratory experiments, and thermodynamic modeling reveal that calcium ions diminish the maximum pH possible with lime, while sulfate ions, formed during sulfide oxidation, enhance it. The findings indicate that effective control over the hydroxide concentration is essential, which may necessitate strategic overdosing of lime at the start of the leaching process or staged additions along the leach train, especially during sulfide cyanide leaching of complex ores. This research contributes to the optimization of the leaching process for calaverite and similar gold tellurides, ensuring efficient recovery in varying mineralogical contexts.
@article{234767b4-89ed-47b3-a31a-65b68902de36,
title={Leaching Complex Gold Ores},
author={J. A. Rumball and P. L. Breuer},
year={2026},
language={en}
}TY - JOUR TI - Leaching Complex Gold Ores AU - J. A. Rumball AU - P. L. Breuer PY - 2026 LA - en ER -
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