High-Copper Gold Ores: Challenges and Processing Alternatives

Gold ores with high copper content present significant challenges in traditional extraction methods. While gold remains the primary target, the presence of copper complicates recovery due to its chemical interference, high reagent consumption, and potential environmental risks. Addressing these challenges is crucial for optimizing extraction efficiency and ensuring sustainable operations.

One major issue with high-copper gold ores is the excessive consumption of cyanide during leaching. Copper readily dissolves in cyanide solutions, forming copper-cyanide complexes that compete with gold, reducing recovery rates and increasing reagent costs. Moreover, these complexes require additional detoxification processes to meet environmental regulations. Additionally, smelting high-copper gold concentrates can reduce the purity of gold doré bars, leading to increased refining costs.

To overcome these challenges, several alternative processing methods exist beyond conventional cyanidation. Flotation is widely used to separate copper minerals before leaching, reducing copper interference. Ammonia-based leaching selectively dissolves copper while preserving gold, making it a viable alternative in certain ore types. Thiosulfate leaching is an emerging non-cyanide method that effectively extracts gold without forming harmful cyanide-copper complexes. Additionally, glycine leaching has gained attention as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for selective gold and copper recovery.

Proses Makina provides innovative solutions to handle high-copper gold ores efficiently. Our advanced flotation systems, alternative leaching technologies, and selective metal recovery units allow for higher gold yields while minimizing environmental impact. Whether through cyanide-free methods like thiosulfate or advanced copper removal techniques, Proses Makina ensures cost-effective and sustainable gold extraction solutions for the mining industry.