On the aqueous oxidation of polymetallic Cu-Zn-Pb gold-bearing sulphide ore in an autoclave

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 94, No. 1051, 2001

D. Sinadinovic «, R. Vrac «ar, Z ÿ. Kamberovic ÿ, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, Yugoslavia

The paper presents a study on the oxidation of polymetallic gold ore by oxygen in an autoclave. It presents optimum parameters of autoclave leaching of sulphide refractory ore in self-generated sulphuric acid solutions aiming to get products with favourable technological characteristics from which precious and other useful metals can be recovered. A high partial oxygen pressure (1.5 MPa to 2 MPa), high leaching temperature (190¡C to 200¡C), pulp density 80 g/L to 240 g/L, ore fraction size 76 µm and leaching time up to 4 hours yield good results in rich ores. The full extent of copper and zinc conversion as well as a high extent of iron conversion has been achieved, while lead, gold and silver and a minor part of iron remain as a solid residue among gangue minerals.

Keywords: Oxidation, Polymetallic gold, Oxygen, Leaching, Pulp density.