Recovery of gold from Plant/dump Liquors, Gadag Gold Fields, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The tailings disposal fronr the gold concentrators to the tailing dants containss about 70% solids and 30% water or liquor: After discharging the solids the liquor portion of pulp is reclaimed to the extent maximum 50%. Recoverv is tested throughout the year and it is,found that recovery varies seasonally, affecting the grade of the reclaimed solution. The reclaimed liquor from the tailing dams and the plant waste waters are passed through settler- tanks or thickener. The clear liquor is passed through the activa-ted carbon columns (C-I-S). The gold content of the liquor is adsorbed on to the carbon, the tail liquor is reused in theprocess. The gold loaded carbon is eluted and continuou-sly electrowon, with the help of continuous re-circulation of hot caustic cyanide solution at +93'C. The gold loaded cathodes are acid treated, smelted with fluxes to produce gold bullion. The carbon from the elution system is reused in the process after thermal regeneration.