This section describes the mineral processing design, historical heap leach operation, and metallurgical testwork for primary ore treatment at the Aprelkovo Gold Project.
Report context
The Aprelkovo Gold Project, located in Russia, is the subject of a NI 43-101 Technical Report dated September 2012. The report covers mineral processing and metallurgical testing under Section 13, and recovery methods under Section 17, including process description, crushing, heap leaching, hydrometallurgical plant, operating cost, metallurgical performance, and future plans for treatment of primary ore.
Processing route
Metallurgical Testwork
Section 13 of the report details metallurgical testwork conducted for the project. The testwork programs are documented as having been undertaken to support process design and recovery determinations.
Process Description
Section 17.2 provides a general process description for the recovery methods employed at the Aprelkovo Gold Project. The processing scheme is outlined as a combination of crushing, heap leaching, and hydrometallurgical treatment.
Crushing
Section 17.3 describes the crushing stage of the processing circuit. The report presents the proposed design for the crushing circuit as part of the overall mineral processing flowsheet.
Heap Leaching
Section 17.4 details the heap leaching operation. The report distinguishes between the proposed design for heap leaching and the historical operating data from the existing heap leach facility. The heap leach operation is described as a key component of the gold recovery process.
Hydrometallurgical Plant
Section 17.5 covers the hydrometallurgical plant. This section describes the plant design as proposed for the treatment of pregnant solution from the heap leach operation, including the recovery of gold from solution.
Metallurgical Performance
Section 17.7 presents the metallurgical performance data for the project. The report provides historical operating data on recovery rates and plant performance from the existing processing facilities. This section distinguishes between design performance targets and actual achieved performance during historical operations.
Future Plans for Treatment of Primary Ore
Section 17.8 addresses future plans for treatment of primary ore. The report discusses proposed design concepts for processing primary ore types that were not part of the historical heap leach operation. Metallurgical testwork results are referenced to support these proposed processing routes for primary ore.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Processing method | Crushing, heap leaching, hydrometallurgical plant | Proposed design and historical operation |
| Primary ore treatment | Under investigation | Metallurgical testwork |
| Plant type | Heap leach with hydrometallurgical recovery | Historical operating data |
| Recovery method | Heap leaching with carbon-based recovery | Proposed design |
Project website: https://www.woodmac.com/reports/metals-aprelkovo-closed-gold-mine-17239068/
Technical qualifications
The report states in Section 17 that the process description is based on the existing operation and proposed design. Section 13 notes that metallurgical testwork was conducted but does not specify testwork results or confirm performance for primary ore treatment. Section 17.7 provides historical operating data but notes that future performance may vary. The report does not contain detailed flowsheet diagrams or complete process performance guarantees.
Source: The Aprelkovo Gold Project, Russia, NI 43-101 Technical Report, September 2012, Sections 13 and 17.
