Industrial Nitrogen Species Catalyzed Pressure Leaching Of Refractory Gold Concentrates

Over the past 15 years numerous pressure oxidation plants for pretreatment of gold ores and concentrates have been installed throughout the world. While, this technology is now established, it suffers in term of the complex engineering and operational characteristics inherent in utilization of high temperatures (i.e. up to225°C) and high pressures (i.e. > 400 PSIG). This paper outlines the application of an industrially proven pressure leaching methodology utilizing nitrogen species catalyzed pressure leaching and alkaline sulfide gold leaching. As such, it stands as an economic and engineering advancement in pressure leach treatment of gold ores and concentrates.