Determination of conditions for direct cyanidation of flotation concentrates with different quality characteristics

The study has established that flotation concentrates with different gold content obtained by processing iron-oxidized low-sulfide gold-copper ore have an almost identical chemical composition with the rock-forming elements. Changes in gold content correlate with changes in the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, S, As, C – there is an increase in the content of these components from a flotation concentrate poor in gold to a flotation concentrate with a higher gold content. The main minerals of copper and iron have been determined, the main part of which is oxidized. Phase analysis showed that the main part of gold in concentrates is in free form, and intergrown with copper minerals as well. Laboratory studies determined equal optimum time for leaching gold with cyanide for all flotation concentrates, regardless of gold content. At the same time, the extraction of copper into the solution is about 13-20%. Optimum concentrations of sodium cyanide have been determined. It is recommended to continue research for reducing the consumption of sodium cyanide and releasing by-products in the form of high-quality copper concentrate.