Analytical techniques are adapting to the requirements of safer leaching processes as cyanide is phased out.
Gold extraction: Enhancing the leaching process
Thiosulphate leaching is a sensitive process that requires both dependent and independent optimization of each of the chemical components of the leach reaction in order to maximize gold recovery and minimize reagent losses.
Through the use of ion exchange separation and UV/Vis detection, the ratios of sulfite, thiosulfate, thiocyanate and tetrathionate can be monitored to ensure the optimum process is achieved.
