Comparison of the Leachability of a silica-rich quartzite conglomerates containing a layer of pyrite Using CIP and CIL

Abstract

South Africa is amongst the influential producers of gold worldwide. Many results have been published on its ores and different parameters defined. Although the carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and carbon-in-leach (CIL) have been largely investigated, optimum parameters change with the chemical composition of the ore based on the geological origins. The ore used in the present work was silica-rich quartzite conglomerates containing a layer of pyrite. The optimization of the gold recovery from the ore used and the better processing route between CIP and CIL were investigated and adopted. Alternating variations were conducted and most suitable leaching parameters were identified. Mineralogical test work conducted in the present investigation led to a better understanding of the ore mineralogy and assisted efficiently in resolving the reasons of impeding cyanidation with this ore. Also, the mineralogical results were compared with the ore, which is treated conventionally and identification of the problematic minerals was possible. XRD, XRF and AAS were used for characterization.