D. M. Muir, M. G. Aylmore
Thiosulphate is an attractive alternative reagent to cyanide for processing gold ores due to its relatively low cost and non-toxic nature, forming strong gold and silver complexes while effectively leaching gold ores in ammoniacal solutions, catalysed by Cu(II). Its suitability extends to carbonaceous ores where cyanide recovery is inadequate. However, a review of the past 20 years reveals several significant issues and impediments that need to be addressed to establish a practical and economically viable overall process for typical oxidized gold ores. This paper synthesizes current knowledge regarding thiosulphate chemistry, the mechanisms of gold dissolution, and the stability of thiosulphate and polythionates. It evaluates various reported leaching outcomes of gold ores, explores gold recovery methods, and highlights environmental and toxicity-related concerns. Key areas for future research include reducing the oxidation of thiosulphate by Cu(II) and other oxidants, enhancing gold extraction efficiencies compared to cyanide, and clarifying the variance in gold recovery across different ore types. Additionally, improvements are needed in minimizing polythionates' impact on gold recovery via resins or alternative absorbents, optimizing copper and gold elution from resins, and recycling or reducing reagent concentrations.
@article{5b99e8a5-160b-40b7-a3cb-5e1fd66681a7,
title={Thiosulphate as an alternative to cyanide for gold processing – issues and impediments},
author={D. M. Muir and M. G. Aylmore},
year={2004},
language={en}
}TY - JOUR TI - Thiosulphate as an alternative to cyanide for gold processing – issues and impediments AU - D. M. Muir AU - M. G. Aylmore PY - 2004 LA - en ER -
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