METHODS OF ENRICHMENT OF POOR GOLD-COPPER ORES

Abstract

The paper describes the application of various percolation methods for processing the gold-copper ores and the technological approaches to leaching the low-grade and substandard gold-copper ores (heap leaching, including bioleaching, leaching from dumps of substandard ores). Low permeability of heap and formation of washouts by working reagent solutions leads to decrease of technological parameters. The paper has characterized the mechanism of capillary and gravitational interactions in the reagent — ore layer system. The author has presented the methods for solving the technological difficulties arising in the process of percolation leaching of gold-copper ores (introduction of antiscalants and surface-active substances, 3-D heap monitoring by modern methods). The paper describes the technological parameters and basic characteristics of the leaching methods as well as the degrees of useful component extraction achieved in real production conditions. Sulphuric acid formation as a result of oxidation of sulphide minerals from rock dumps requires a welldeveloped environmental approach to the protection of water and soil resources. Priority directions to develop the technologies of percolation leaching for extraction of gold and copper from low-grade ores are economic and technological efficiency and ecological efficiency security.