Preliminary Results of Column Leach Experiments at Two Gold Mines Using Geothermal Fluids
- Key words
- Direct Use; Exploration; USA; Gold Recovery; Heap Leaching
- Location
- Florida Canyon Mine, Nevada; Round Mountain Gold, Nevada
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Direct use; Mineral extraction; Brine chemistry
- Language
- English
Abstract
Column leach experiments using ore and geothermal fluids from two operating gold mines in Nevada have shown encouraging, but mixed result. Heating of cyanide leach solutions with geothermal energy provides for year round operation and increased precious metal recovery. Initial tests on ore at Florida Canyon Mine indicate and 82 percent recovery of gold during a 60 day leach cycle. Concurrent experiments using geothermal fluids directly in the leaching process demonstrate fluid compatibility with cyanide solutions. In addition, no loss of permeability or porosity (plugging) has been observed as a result of using geothermal fluids in the process stream.
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