Pyrolysis and extraction of gold from refractory sulphide concentrates

Summary

A process for the treatment of refractory sulphidic gold concentrates by pyrolysis has been developed.

The kinetics of the pyrolysis, the treatment of concentrate in a pilot-scale rotary kiln and the extraction of pyrolysed concentrate by cyanide were investigated.

An economic analysis of the pyrolysis process showed a favourable comparison with conventional, oxidative roasting.

Report includes a Supplementary Report published in 1997 on research findings regarding the use of fluidised bed and rotary kiln reactors to pyrolyse and remove sulphur from refractory goldbearing sulphidic pyritic and arsenopyritic ores.

Keywords: pyrolysis, refractory gold, kinetics, cyanide extraction, economics