Processing of refractory gold sulphide carbonbearing ores by means of their pre-oxidation with water-and-gas emulsions prepared in electrochemical and photochemical reactors

Abstract

In connection with the depletion of mineral resources base of gold, the engagement of refractory ores reserves in the processing becomes a necessary condition to stabilize gold market. Standard methods of processing of refractory sulphide carbon-bearing gold ores and float concentrates extracted from them include pressure oxidation and bacterial oxidation enabling the liberation of dispersive gold and oxidation of carbon having parasitical sorption with further cyanation. The alternative solution of the aforementioned problem is pre-oxidation of refractory ores with water-and-gas emulsions. Theoretical basis for active water-and-gas emulsions formation with the use of electrolytes solutions electrolysis in combination with ultraviolet exposure is stated in the article. Given method of water-and-gas emulsions preparation ensures the formation of active oxidants complex. Gold recovery into pregnant solutions up to 55.7 - 73.5% by chloride scheme was reached in laboratory experiments on samples of sulphide carbon-bearing ore, herewith 18% was recovered using cyanic solution. Based upon experimental findings, process scheme for combined oxidative preparation of sulphide carbon-bearing ore with dispersive deportment of gold was developed.