National Mineral Resources University (University of Mines) (Russia):

Aleksandrova T. N., Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Head of Chair, alexandrovat10@gmail.com

Romashev А. О., Ph. D. in Engineering Sciences, Assistant, romashevao@yandex.ru

Semenikhin D. N., Postgraduate, xblpa8@yandex.ru

JSC Polymetal Engineering (Russia):

Tsyplakov V. N., Ph. D. in Physics and Mathematics, Managing Director, ciplakov@polymetal.ru

The results of the Mayskoye deposit difficultly-treated gold sulfide ore mineralogical-technological studies are presented, the deposit being one of the five Russian largest gold reserves. The ore is characterized by presence of finely-disseminated gold in crystalline lattice of sulfides (arsenopyrite, pyrrhotine) and persulphide (pyrite), as well as natural sorption-active ore carboniferous components. In order to decrease pregrobbing effect in subsequent processing of concentrates, a possible decrease of ore carboniferous components content was studied by means of flotation, gravity-flotation and flotation-gravity methods at concentration stage. It is shown, that removal of ore carboniferous components from concentrate at the stage of concentration by flotation and gravity methods may provide for decrease in gold losses at subsequent stages of concentrates processing. It is also shown that depression of ore carboniferous components at the head of flotation process promotes increase in quantitative ratio of gold and carbon in concentrate, required for successful subsequent processing of concentrate. Application of a combination flotation-gravity flow sheet with centrifugal separation is most promising for the type of ores in question, providing for production of concentrate, suitable for successful processing by pressure oxidation technology with subsequent sorption cyanidation.

The authors are deeply indebted to Dr. Valery V. Golikov, PhD Tech., Head of Academic-and-Technological Metallurgical Research Division of «Polimetall Engineering», and Boris V. Aksenov, Process Technology Expert of «Polimetall Engineering», both for assistance in performance of the experimental studies and help in preparation of this article.
The studies were performed with the aid of the Russian Science Foundation Grant (Project No. 15-17-00017).

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