Company: Goldgroup Mining Inc.
Date: 2011
Mine: Cerro Colorado
Executive Summary
This section describes the recovery methods and gold production characteristics at the Cerro Colorado mine. The processing facility utilizes gravity flow carbon adsorption circuits, which is a standard method in the gold mining industry. The plant operates with 30 carbon columns arranged in 10 circuits of 3 columns each, capable of processing approximately 10,000 tonnes of solution per day. The carbon desorption (stripping) circuit consists of 3 columns using an atmospheric strip process with NaOH and NaCN solution, heated by propane boilers. Gold is recovered through electro-winning into stainless steel mesh cathodes, with the precipitate then smelted in a propane furnace to produce dorébars.
The plant has an approximate capacity of 25,000 ounces of gold per year, depending on ore grades. During 2011, gold recoveries averaged 63%, with monthly recoveries ranging from 40% to 113%. The expanded facility includes 10 carbon circuits and 10 desorption columns, with two propane boilers totaling 2,220,000 BTU capacity. Column tests on various ore size fractions indicate gold recoveries typically range from 35% to 100%, with heap leach pad recoveries averaging 55% to 60%.
Processing Details
Carbon Adsorption
- 30 carbon columns in 10 circuits of 3 columns each
- Each column contains ~0.5 tonnes of carbon
- Total carbon in system: ~15 tonnes
- Gravity flow processing
- Solution throughput: 10,000 tonnes/day
Desorption (Stripping)
- 3 columns (expanded to 10)
- Atmospheric strip using NaOH and NaCN
- Strip solution: 1-1.5% NaOH, 0.1% NaCN
- Temperature: 207°F (just below boiling at elevation)
- Boiler capacity: 970,000 BTU + 1,250,000 BTU
- Stripping capacity: 5 tonnes carbon per 60 hours
- Carbon life: 5-6 strips before replacement
Electrowinning and Smelting
- 2 electro-winning cells, 75 cubic foot each
- Stainless steel mesh cathodes
- Propane furnace smelting at 2,000°F
- Smelt frequency: every 7-10 days
- Doré bars: 1,000 ounce standard moulds
Production Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Capacity | ~25,000 oz Au |
| 2011 Recovery | 63% average |
| Heap Leach Recovery | 55-60% |
References
- Stone (2011)
- Goldgroup AIF
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_Colorado_mine
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