Authors: K.G. Thomas, A. Cole, R.A. Williams
SME Conference, Vancouver, Canada, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
Abstract
Over the last two decades several facilities, utilizing autoclaves and oxygenated roasters have been installed for processing refractory gold ores. Two such facilities have been installed within Barrick Goldstrike and this paper reviews the processes, inclusive of associated capital and operating costs.
In this paper the two Barrick Goldstrike refractory processes are described being as follows:
- Acid autoclaving for sulphide ore
- Oxygenated roasting for double refractory ore; sulphide and carbonaceous
In summary there is a place for both autoclaving and roasting of gold ores, the latter requiring appropriate but significant investment in environmental abatement equipment.
