EDTA-enhanced cyanidation of refractory bio-oxidised flotation gold concentrates
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(Published version)
Date
2020
Authors
Asamoah, R.K.
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Journal article
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Hydrometallurgy, 2020; 193(105312):1-10
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Abstract
In this paper, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used to activate refractory bio-oxidised flotation gold concentrate and improve gold extraction efficacy during alkaline cyanide leaching. The results showed that EDTA activation influences physico-chemical properties such as particle size distribution, surface area and mineralogy, rate and yield of gold leaching, and overall reagent (sodium cyanide and sodium hydroxide) consumption. Specifically, EDTA activation reduced the particle size and increased BET surface area by eliminating refractory secondary sulphate minerals such as gypsum and jarosite prior to /or during alkaline cyanide leaching. The proposed gold extraction enhancement mechanism included disintegration of gold-encapsulating gangue mineral agglomerates, and elimination of thin film refractory jarosite and gypsum coatings from gold surfaces, leading to easy cyanide access to gold. Lower sodium cyanide and sodium hydroxide consumption during alkaline cyanide leaching were also observed for leaching systems involving EDTA compared with the as-received bio-oxidised flotation concentrate leaching. The results show good promise for designing smarter processing routes targeting higher gold extraction from complex, refractory ore mineralogy
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Data source: Supplementary data, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2020.105312
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Crown Copyright 2020
Access Condition Notes: Accepted manuscript available on Open Access