Irkutsk Research Institute of Precious and Rare Metals and Diamonds (Irkutsk, Russia)

Topychkanova E. I., Junior Researcher, TopychkanovaE@irgiredmet.ru
Dementieva N. A., Leading Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, dema@irgiredmet.ru

Irkutsk State University (Irkutsk, Russia)
Chikin A. Yu., Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, anchik53@mail.ru

This study focuses on the development of an efficient beneficiation technology for refractory carbonaceous ores of the Carlin type from a deposit in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). A comprehensive characterization of the ore was performed, including determination of its chemical composition, the morphology and size distribution of gold particles, and an assessment of its refractory behavior during cyanide leaching. The proposed processing flowsheet was developed using the results of gravity concentration and flotation studies. Optimal flotation parameters—such as feed particle size and pulp density, flotation time, reagent type and consumption, and pH—were determined experimentally. Under the selected conditions, gold recoveries of 83 % from primary ore and 71 % from blended ore were achieved. Specific technological solutions were developed to reduce the contents of antimony and organic carbon in flotation concentrates prior to hydrometallurgical processing. As a result, the antimony content of the gold sulfide concentrate was reduced from 1.77 % at a recovery of 75.75 to 0.20 % at a recovery of 10.35 %. The proposed approach eliminates the need for a dedicated antimony removal stage at the head of the flowsheet, thereby simplifying the process and improving its economic efficiency. A stepwise strategy for organic carbon removal reduced its content in the concentrate by 80 %: approximately 30 % of naturally hydrophobic carbonaceous matter was removed by direct carbon flotation, while an additional 50 % was transferred to flotation tailings through the application of a specialized reagent.

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