Evaluation of cyanide and thiosulphate lixiviant systems for KSM Seabridge gold circuit

Most of the gold that is produced by hydrometallurgical processes is recovered by cyanide leaching. However, the reactive nature of some minerals questions the applicability of cyanide technology for selected applications. The current research is designed to evaluate the cyanide technology as well as an alternative processing path for a particular material through extensive experimental program. The project will yield the mathematical models describing all chemical processes in each circuit, as well as mass and energy balances based on laboratory data and scientific reasoning. The models will assist identifying the most economical solution for the particular processing plant in BC.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Dreisinger

Student:

Mariam Melashvili

Partner:

Seabridge Gold

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

University of British Columbia