“Yuzhuralzoloto Group of Companies” JSC, Plast, Russia:

G. A. Vashchenko, Chief Dresser

“Irgiredmet” JSC, Irkutsk, Russia:
S. S. Gudkov, Head of Laboratory

National Research Irkutsk State Technical University, Irkutsk, Russia:
Yu. E. Emelyanov, Leading Researcher, e-mail: Emelyanov@irgiredmet.ru
A. V. Bogorodskiy, Senior Researcher
A. V. Epiforov, Junior Researcher

The researches of technology of processing of flotation concentrate of ore of Bereznyakovskoe gold ore deposit (South Urals) were carried out, according to the following ways:
— direct cyanidation;
— oxidizing roasting – cyanidation;
— bacterial oxidation – cyanidation;
— autoclave oxidation – cyanidation.
It is shown that during the direct cyanidation of floatation concentrate, the extraction of gold doesn't exceed 72% and consumption of cyanide is ~25 kg/t, which is not acceptable. Despite the higher extraction of gold (up to 86%), the roasting-cyanide scheme has no essential advantages over direct cyanidation of initial concentrate due to high consumption of cyanide (up to 100 kg/t). Bacterial leaching for Bereznyakovskoe deposit concentrates is not suitable. It wasn't succeeded to receive a bacteria strain, resistant to the solutions, containing both arsenic and copper. The autoclave leaching showed high efficiency of gold opening. Gold extraction at subsequent cyanidation is up to 99%. In addition, it makes it possible to extract copper and zinc in marketable products. According to these preconditions, the autoclave technology is accepted for development of technological regulations of processing of flotation concentrate of Bereznyakovskoe deposit ore.

This work was carried out with the support of the project No. 02.G25.31.0075 within the resolution of the government of the Russian Federation No. 218 from 09.04.2010.

1. Adams M. D. Summary of gold Plants and Processers. Advances in gold ore processing. Under the editorship of M. D. Adams. 2005. Part 41. pp. 994–1013.
2. Innovation in Gold and Silver Recovery. Randol International Ltd. Phase IV. 1992. Vol. 6, Part 20 : Pressure Hydrometallurgy. pp. 3325–3631.
3. Available at : http://www.polymetal.ru
4. Dragotsennye metally. Dragotsennye kamni — Precious metals. Precious stones. 2012. No. 1 (229). pp. 73–74.