Applicability of Gravity Separation Method on the Ashashire Gold Ore Deposit from Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted to determine the applicability of gravity separation method on the Ashashire gold ore deposit Benishangul gumuz region, western Ethiopia. The Ashashire composite was produced to provide sufficient mass for this study and experiment, including sample preparation, mineralogical analysis of gold and associated elements, gravity concentration, and data interpretation and analysis. During the study, a grind optimization was conducted on the composites sample with varying grind size to evaluate the effect of grind size on gold recovery. The ore was moderately ground to the standard grind size of 80%, passing 106 µm, 75 µm, 53 µm and this nominal size was selected for the preliminary assessment for concentration optimization for this deposit. The gravity testing comprised three-stage concentration using Knelson concentrator. High recovery of gold from the gravity concentrates was achieved from the second gravity concentration. Based on the laboratory experimental result analysis, a grind size of P80 75 µm is selected as optimal size for the Ashashire gold deposit. Increasing the grind size from P80 of 75 µm to 106 µm decreases the recovery rate from 75% to 54%, or decreasing the grind size from P80 of 75 µm to 53 µm decreases the gold recovery rate to 37%. The native gold grain in the ores is mostly associated with quartz and fine gold is closely associated with pyrite. According to analysis of the fire assay, chemical, and mineralogical data, only gold and telluride is commercially valuable elements in the ores. Predominantly gold was occurred in the native form of Au-Te. The sample subjected to gravity separation assayed about 2.6 g/t Au.

Genesis of the Jianbeigou Gold Deposit on the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Insights from Fluid Inclusions, H-O-S Isotopes, and Pyrite in situ Trace Element Analyses

The Jianbeigou gold deposit is a typical lode gold deposit in the Qinling metallogenic belt, located on the southern margin of the North China Craton. Three stages of the hydrothermal process can be distinguished, including the quartz ± pyrite, quartz-polymetallic sulfide, and quartz-carbonate ± pyrite stages. From the early to late stages, the homogenization temperatures of primary fluid inclusions are 281–362°C, 227–331°C, and 149–261°C, respectively. The corresponding salinities estimated for these fluids are 3.9–9.9 wt%, 0.4–9.4 wt%, and 0.7–7.2 wt% Na Cl equiv. Combined with laser Raman spectroscopy data, the ore-forming fluid belongs to a H_(2)O-CO_(2)-Na Cl ± CH_4 system with medium–low temperature and salinity. The δ~(18)Ofluid and δD values for the quartz veins are-1.0‰ to 6.0‰ and-105‰ to-84‰, respectively, which indicates that the ore-forming fluid is of mixed source, mainly derived from magma, with a contribution from meteoric water. Pyrite has been identified into three generations based on mineral paragenetic sequencing, including Py1, Py2, and Py3. The pyrites have δ~(34)S sulfur isotopic compositions from three stages between 3.7‰ and 8.4‰, indicating that sulfur mainly originated from magma. Te, Bi, Sb, and Cu contents in pyrite were all high and showed a strong correlation with Au concentrations. Native gold and the Au-Ag-Bi telluride minerals were formed concurrently, and the As concentration was low and decoupled from the Au content. Therefore, Te, Bi, Sb and other low-melting point chalcophile elements play an important role for gold mineralization in arsenic-deficient ore-forming fluid. Combined with the geological setting, evolution of pyrite, and ore-fluids geochemistry, we propose that the Jianbeigou deposit can be classified as a magmatic–hydrothermal lode gold deposit. Gold mineralization on the southern margin of the North China Craton is related to Early Cretaceous magmatism and formed in an extensional setting.

The Geology, Fluid Inclusions, and O-S Isotopes of the Mibei Gold Deposit, Hunan Province, Southern China

The Mibei gold deposit,located in the southwestern part of the Xuefengshan uplift zone,the middle section of the Jiangnan orogenic belt in southern China,has estimated gold resources of approximately seven tons.This deposit is primarily a quartz vein-type gold deposit,with ore bodies occurring mainly within Neoproterozoic metasediments.The main metallic minerals in the ore are pyrite,chalcopyrite,and arsenopyrite.In this study,the petrography and microthermometry of ore-forming fluid inclusions,oxygen isotopes of gold-bearing quartz,and sulfur isotopes of goldbearing sulfides and arsenopyrite were analyzed.Three types of fluid inclusions were identified:type Ⅰa three-phase inclusions comprising vapor and two phases of liquids(V_(CO_(2))+L_(CO_(2))+L_(H2O)),type Ⅰb two-phase liquids(L_(CO_(2))+L_(H2O)),typeⅡ two-phase vapor-rich inclusions(V/V+L> 50%),and type Ⅲ pure liquid inclusions.Type Ⅰ inclusions were heated uniformly to the liquid phase,type Ⅱ inclusions were heated uniformly to the gas phase,and type Ⅲ inclusions were heated without change.In general,the temperature range of homogenization to liquid phase of fluid inclusions in the Mibei gold deposit is 204-227℃.The salinity of the inclusion ranges from 4.6 to 12.2 wt% NaCl equiv.The δ~(18)O_(SMOW) of gold-bearing quartz varies from 16.9‰ to 17.5‰.The δ~(18)O_(H2O) of gold-bearing quartz are varied from 6.5‰ to 7.5‰.The δ~(34)S values of gold-bearing pyrite range from 1.7‰ to 6.8‰.The δ~(34)S values of gold-bearing arsenopy rite range from 5.6%o to 5.9‰.Theδ~(34)S values of pyrite from wall rocks slate range from 6.4‰ to 11.6‰.This evidence implies that the ore-forming fluids of the Mibei gold deposit originated from magmatic-hydrothermal processes,mixing with minor S from the surrounding metasediments.Combined with the evolution of the Jiangnan orogenic belt,due to the magmatic and tectonic activities of the Xuefengshan uplift during the Caledonian period,the fault seal mechanism controlled the ore-forming process.Overall,the Mibei gold deposit is more akin to a magmatic-hydrothermal gold deposit.

Enhancement of bio-oxidation of refractory arsenopyritic gold ore by adding pyrolusite in bioleaching system

Pyrolusite was added in the bioleaching process to enhance the bio-oxidation process. Bioleaching tests at different dosages of pyrolusite ore, pH and inoculation amounts of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans were studied. The results showed that the time of the bio-oxidation process was decreased obviously and the arsenic leaching rate reached 94.4% after the bioleaching. The bio-oxidation of arsenopyrite and the effective extraction of manganese from pyrolusite were achieved by the bioleaching process. After bioleaching, the leaching rate of gold from the reaction residues reached 95.8% by cyanide leaching. In the bio-oxidation process, pyrolusite increased the redox potential of the solution to accelerate the bioleaching rate. The experiment showed that there were two reaction modes in the bioleaching process.

Research status of carbonaceous matter in carbonaceous gold ores and bio-oxidation pretreatment

Carbonaceous gold mines are important refractory gold ores. The previous results demonstrate that the carbonaceous matter is mainly composed of elemental carbon, organic acid and hydrocarbons. The dissolved aurocyanide complex is robbed by adsorption of carbonaceous matter, which is similar to activated carbon in cyanide leaching of gold. The pretreatment methods of carbonaceous gold ores were introduced, including high temperature roasting, bio-oxidation, chemical oxidation, competitive adsorption, barrier inhibition and microwave roasting. Recently, bio-oxidation was developed rapidly due to its advantages such as mild conditions, simple processes, low energy consumption and friendly environment. The known microorganisms related with bio-oxidation pretreatment mainly are chemolithotroph bacteria such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans. The researches on decomposing and passivating carbonaceous matter were commenced by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pseudomonadaceae and Streptomyces setonii. Finally, the main problems were analyzed and the application prospect of this technique was looked forward.

Effects of mutation on a new strain Leptospirillum ferriphilum YXW and bioleaching of gold ore

Leptospirillum ferriphilum YXW was isolated through serial dilution from mixed microorganisms enriched in AMD from Dexing copper mine in Jiangxi Province, China. It was mutated by ultrasonic, UV and microwave to collect more efficient strain for bioleaching of gold ore. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicate that strain YXW is a strict chemoautotrophic microorganism, and the optimal condition for its growth is temperature of 40 °C and pH 1.5. After mutation by ultrasonic, UV and microwave, the density of bacterial cells reached 9×109, 8.4×109 and 4.3×108 mL-1, increased by 291%, 265%and 87%, respectively, compared with the original culture. The bacterial total protein activity was improved by microwave and UV mutations, but was reduced by ultrasonic. Mutations had effects on bioleaching of gold ore in sequence of microwave〉UV〉ultrasonic. During gold ore bioleaching, the bacterial mutant after mutation by microwave had the best effect on the extraction rates of arsenic and iron, which were 19.6%and 17.7%higher than that of the original strain after bioleaching for 10 d, respectively. The results suggested that the effects of mutation on bioleaching of gold ore may not be mainly due to increase of bacterial cells density, but may be mainly attributed to the improvement of bacterial total protein activity.

Simultaneous extraction of gold and zinc from refractory carbonaceous gold ore by chlorination roasting process

A novel process based on chlorination roasting was proposed to simultaneously recover gold and zinc from refractory carbonaceous gold ore by using NaCl as chlorination agent.The effects of roasting temperature,roasting time and NaCl content on the volatilization rates of gold and zinc were investigated.The reaction mechanism and the phase transition process were also analyzed by means of SEM,EDS and XRD.The results demonstrated that under the optimal conditions of NaCl content of 10%,roasting temperature of 800℃,roasting time of 4 h and gas flow rate of 1 L/min,the rates of gold and zinc were 92%and 92.56%,respectively.During low-temperature chlorination roasting stage,a certain content of sulfur was beneficial to the chlorination reactions of gold and zinc;and during high-temperature chlorination roasting stage,the crystal structure of vanadium-bearing mica was destroyed,and the vanadium-containing oxides were beneficial to the chlorinating volatilization of gold and zinc.Eventually,the chlorinated volatiles of gold and zinc could be recovered by alkaline solution.

An Application of Microwave Pre-oxidation in Improving Gold Recovery of a Refractory Gold Ore

Microwave radiation was employed as a pretreating technology to oxidise a refractory gold ore. Heating characteristics showed that, in an identical microwave field, the bulk temperature of the sample increased with microwave power, microwave radiation time and particle size. The rate of sulphur removal increased with microwave radiation time. Particle size also had a significant effect on the oxidation rate. Pyrite and marcasite could be oxidised into Fe 2O 3 with a high porous structure. When microwave radiation was carried out in a rotary bed, the oxidation was more uniformly developed, in comparison with in a fixed bed. Gold extraction by cyanidation could be remarkably improved after the ore was subjected to microwave radiation. The results showed that gold recovery could be improved from 37% to 69%～ 81.2 %.

Beneficiation of the gold bearing ore by gravity and flotation

Gold concentration usually consists of gravity separation, flotation, cyanidation, or the combination of these processes. The choice among these processes depends on the mineralogical characterization and gold content of the ore. Recently, the recovery of gold using gravity methods has gained attention because of low cost and environmentally friendly operations. In this study, gold pre-concentrates were produced by the stepwise gravity separation and flotation techniques. The Knelson concentrator and conventional flotation were employed for the recovery of gold. Gold bearing ore samples were taken from Gümüshane Region, northern east part of Turkey. As a result of stepwise Knelson concentration experiments, a gold concentrate assaying around 620 g/t is produced with 41.4wt% recovery. On the other hand, a gold concentrate about 82 g/t is obtained with 89.9wt% recovery from a gold ore assaying 6 g/t Au by direct flotation.

Valence variation of arsenic in bioleaching process of arsenic-bearing gold ore

The concentration and variational trend of As3 +and As 5+,the bacterial resistance for the As 3+and As 5+and converting conditions from As3 +to As 5+were analyzed.The additive was used to prompt the bacterial leaching efficiency by changing valence state of arsenic.The results show that the concentration of As 3+ is larger than that of As 5+ in the lag phase.The concentration of As 3+ decreases in the log phase,and is lower than that of As5 +.HQ-0211 typed bacteria express better resistance for As 3+and As 5+and remain growing when the concentrations of As3 +and As 5+are above 6.0 g/L and 12.0 g/L,respectively.It is found that Fe 3+cannot oxidize As3 +singly as strong oxidant in the leaching system,but can cooperate with pyrite or chalcopyrite to do that.The oxidation of As 3+ is prompted with addition of H2O2.The bacterial activity is improved in favor of bacterial leaching efficiency.NaClO restrains the bacterial growth to depress leaching efficiency because of the chloric compounds affecting bacterial activity.

Modeling heap biooxidation of arsenic-bearing gold ore

To design heap biooxidation process,it is necessary to understand its internal rules.The heap biooxidation of gold ore from Anhui province was researched in this study.The results showed that the main microorganisms in the heap were A.ferrooxidans,F.acidiphilum and L.ferrodiazotrophum.Under their combined action,gold leaching extent rose from 35.62%to 78.08%in 80 d.Boltzmann model matches the actual oxidation effect better and the model equations were obtained.The model predicted that the oxidation extents of arsenic and sulfur are 58.577%and 42.122%after one year,and the gold leaching extent was 80.40%.The arsenic and sulfur oxidation extents,and gold leaching extent were all linearly correlated.It is more reliable to predict gold leaching extent by sulfur oxidation extent.These results provided good guidance for practical application in the actual production.

Mineral phase and structure changes during roasting of fine-grained carbonaceous gold ores and their effects on gold leaching efficiency

While roasting has been widely applied to reduce the negative effect of carbonaceous matters on gold extraction from fine-grained carbonaceous gold ores, the phase and structure changes of minerals during roasting and their in fluences on the leachi ng rate of gold have not been fully understood. This limits the extraction of carbonaceous gold deposits. The current work examines the oxidation process of a fine-grained carbonaceous gold ore during roasting using a range of techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), seanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analysis and pore structure analysis together with gold leaching tests. The results show that during the process of oxidative roasting, the carbonaceous matters (organic carbon and graphitic carbon) and pyrite were completely decomposed at 600 ℃ with the carbonaceous components burned and pyrite oxidized into hematite. At 650 ℃, while dolomite was decomposed into calcia, magnesia, calcium sulfate etc., the calcine structure became loose and porous, leading to a high gold leaching rate from the roasted product. Above 750 ℃, the porous calcite structure started to collapse along with the agglomeration, leading to the secondary encapsulation of gold particles, which contributed to the sharp drop in the gold leaching rate of the roasted product. This study suggests optimum phase and structure changes of minerals during roasting to achieve maximum gold extraction from fine-grained carbonaceous gold deposits.

Genetic Types and Metallogenic Model for the Polymetallic Copper–Gold Deposits in the Tongling Ore District, Anhui Province, Eastern China

The Tongling ore district is one of the most economically important ore areas in the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, eastern China. It contains hundreds of polymetallic copper–gold deposits and occurrences. Those deposits are mainly clustered(from west to east) within the Tongguanshan, Shizishan, Xinqiao, Fenghuangshan, and Shatanjiao orefields. Until recently, the majority of these deposits were thought to be skarn-or porphyry–skarn-type deposits; however there have been recent discoveries of numerous vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb-Zn deposits that do not fall into either of these categories. This indicates that there is some uncertainty over this classification. Here, we present the results of several systematic geological studies of representative deposits in the Tongling ore district. From investigation of the ore-controlling structures, lithology of the host rock, mineral assemblages, and the characteristics of the mineralization and alteration within these deposits, three genetic types of deposits(skarn-, porphyry-, and vein-type deposits) have been identified. The spatial and temporal relationships between the orebodies and Yanshanian intrusions combined with the sources of the ore-forming fluids and metals, as well as the geodynamic setting of this ore district, indicate that all three deposit types are genetically related each other and constitute a magmatic–hydrothermal system. This study outlines a model that relates the polymetallic copper–gold porphyry-, skarn-, and vein-type deposits within the Tongling ore district. This model provides a theoretical basis to guide exploration for deep-seated and concealed porphyry-type Cu(–Mo, –Au) deposits as well as shallow vein-type Au, Ag, and Pb–Zn deposits in this area and elsewhere.

Kinetics of leaching refractory gold ores by ultrasonic-assisted electro-chlorination

The resources of refractory gold ores are abundant, and their effective treatment can bring good economic benefits. This paper investigated the kinetics of leaching gold from refractory gold ores by ultrasonic-assisted electro-chlorination. The effects of ultrasound time ratio, initial hydrochloric acid concentration and leaching temperature on the kinetic parameters were discussed. It is found that the leaching ratio goes up with all the factors increasing. The reaction kinetics is controlled by diffusion. When ultrasound improves the diffusion by reducing the diffusion resistance, the activation energy increases to 37.1 kJ/mol.

Characterization of an iron oxy/hydroxide(gossan type) bearing refractory gold and silver ore by diagnostic leaching

A detailed characterization of an iron oxy/hydroxide(gossan type) bearing refractory gold/silver ore was performed with a new diagnostic approach for the development of a pretreatment process prior to cyanide leaching. Gold was observed to be present as native and electrum(6-24 μm in size) and associated with limonite, goethite and lepidocrocite within calcite and quartz matrix. Mineral liberation analysis(MLA) showed that electrum is found as free grains and in association with beudantite, limonite/goethite and quartz. Silver was mainly present as acanthite(Ag2S) and electrum and as inclusions within beudantite phase in the ore. The cyanide leaching tests showed that the extractions of gold and silver from the ore(d80: 50 μm) were limited to 76% and 23%, respectively, over a leaching period of 24 h. Diagnostic leaching tests coupled with the detailed mineralogical analysis of the ore suggest that the refractory gold and silver are mainly associated within iron oxide mineral phases such as limonite/goethite and jarosite-beudantite, which can be decomposed in alkaline solutions. Based on these characterizations, alkaline pretreatment of ore in potassium hydroxide solution was performed prior to cyanidation, which improved significantly the extraction of silver and gold up to 87% Ag and 90% Au. These findings suggest that alkaline leaching can be used as a new diagnostic approach to characterize the refractoriness of iron oxy/hydroxide bearing gold/silver ore and as a pretreatment method to overcome the refractoriness.

On the Mechanism of Transformation fromPrimary Ores into Oxidized Ores in FinelyDisseminated Gold Deposits

: This paper, taking the finely disseminated gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou and northwestern Guangxi as examples, discusses the difference between the occurrence of primary ores and that of oxidized ores, analyzes the occurrence mechanism in terms of crystallochemistry and geochemistry, and especially studies the chemical model for supergene leaching transformation of clay minerals in the two types of ores. This study proposes a new idea for dressing and smelting technology for primary gold ores.

Acid leaching decarbonization and following pressure oxidation of carbonic refractory gold ore

Carbonate decomposition of carbonic refractory gold ore and the following pressure oxidation were studied.In the carbonate decomposition procedure,the effects of liquid-to-solid ratio and reaction time on decomposition ratio of carbonate were investigated.The experimental result shows that the decomposition ratio of carbonate is 98.24%under the conditions of liquid-to-solid ratio of 5:1,Fe^(3+)concentration of 20 g/L,sulfuric acid concentration of 20 g/L,reaction temperature of 80 ℃ and reaction time of 2 h.Then,the slurry obtained from carbonate decomposition was put into the titanium autoclave for pressure oxidation leaching.Effects of liquid-to-solid ratio,temperature,time and oxygen partial pressure on sulfur oxidation ratio were studied during pressure oxidation.With the prolonged time,pyrite and arsenopyrite are oxidized to ferric subsulfate,hydrated ferric sulfate and jarosite,resulting in the increasing residue ratio.The residue ratio and the sulfur content in the residue can be decreased by ferric subsulfate dissolution.The oxidation ratio of the sulfur is 99.35% under the conditions of oxidation time of 4 h,temperature of 210 ℃,oxygen partial pressure of 0.8 MPa and stirring speed of 600 r/min.

Analysis of the Ore-Controlling Structure of Ductile Shear Zone Type Gold Deposit in Southern Beishan Area, Gansu, Northwest China

The ductile shear zone-type gold deposit is a kind that both the ore-forming mechanism and ore-controlling factors are closely related to the ductile shear zone and its evolution. Ductile shear zone develops in Beishan area, Gansu of Northwest China, and develops especially well in the south belt. The controls of the ductile shear zone on gold deposits are as follows. （1） The regional distribution of gold deposits （and gold spots） is controlled by the ductile shear zone. （2） The ductile-brittle shear zone is formed in the evolution process of ductile shear zone and both are only ore-bearing structures and control the shape, attitude, scale, and distribution of mineralization zones and ore-bodies. （3） Compresso-shear ductile deformation results in that the main kind of gold mineralization is altered mylonite type and the main alteralization is metasomatic. （4） Ore-bearing fracture systems are mainly P-type ones, some D-type and R-type ones, but only individual R＇-type and T-type ones. （5） Dynamic differen- tiation and dynamic metamorphic hydrothermal solution resulting from ductile deformation is one of the sources of ore-forming fluid of gold mineralization, and this is identical with that ore-forming materials are mainly from metamorphic rocks, and ore-forming fluid is mainly composed of metamorphic water, and with the fluid inclusion and geo-chemical characteristics of the deposit. （6） There is a negative correlation between the gold abundance and susceptibility anlsotropy （P） of the altered mylonlte samples from the deposit, which shows that the gold mineralization is slightly later than the structural deformation. All above further expound the ore-forming model of the ductile shear zone type of gold deposits.

Improved recovery of a low-grade refractory gold ore using flotation–preoxidation–cyanidation methods

In this work, different flotation–preoxidation–cyanidation methods are considered for treating a lowgrade refractory gold ore. On the one hand, the results of selective flotation show that 22% and 31.1%of total Sb and As, respectively, remained in the final tailings and only about 28% of the total Au remained for further cyanidation processes. On the other hand, in bulk method of flotation the maximum Au recovery of 90.6% achieved after 60 min of flotation at the grind size with K80 of 146 micron. In addition, the bulk flotation method resulted in the concentrate with low concentrations of Sb and As elements. To improve the recovery of low-grade refractory gold ores, flotation should be followed by roasting, biological, or pressure oxidation processes so that the gold could be liberated prior to cyanidation processes. It is also found that the pressure oxidation pre-treatment of the concentrates prior to cyanidation may yield high gold recoveries of over than 83%. In these processes, recoveries are controlled by the temperature and the oxygen partial pressure in the solvent. However, by utilizing the bio-oxidation technique, the oxidation of sulfur to sulfate cannot be completed and, consequently, the gold recovery may be limited to only 72.2%.

Bioleaching of zinc from gold ores using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

The present work investigated microbial leaching of zinc from ore using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans （ATCC 14859）. The ore samples, consisted of 13wt% zinc, were obtained from a gold mine in north-eastern Thailand. A shake flask study was performed on the ore samples using a rotary shaker under the following fixed conditions （250 r·min^-1, 30℃ for 16 d）. The influence of various conditions, namely medium type （with and without iron）, particle ore size （〈20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-100, and 〉100 mesh）, ore density （20 kg·m^-3, 50 kg·m^-3, and 100 kg·m^-3）, and pH of the medium （2, 2.5, 2.8, and 3）, were investigated. The microbial leaching was assessed by determining the concentration of zinc in the medium and compared with the initial sample concentration. The results show that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can successfully leach zinc by as much as 6 times compared with the control experiment （without Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ferrooxidans）. The maximum efficiency （92.3%） for microbial leaching is obtained in iron-containing medium, 20-40 mesh ore sizes, 20 kg·m^-3 ore density at pH 2.8, and the zinc content is found in the medium at about 120 mg·m^-1.