Overview
The Cortez Complex in Nevada features multiple processing pathways for both oxide and refractory ores. The facility includes an oxide processing plant (Pipeline Mill), heap leach operations, and the capability to transport refractory ores to the Carlin Complex for specialized treatment through roasting or autoclaving processes.
Key Process Stages
- Pipeline Mill (Oxide Processing): 16,330 t/d capacity plant with crushing, SAG/ball mill grinding, CIL circuit, carbon stripping, and doré production
- Heap Leach Operations: Three double-lined pads processing ROM ore with CIC gold recovery
- Refractory Ore Treatment: Transport to Carlin Complex for processing through:
- Goldstrike Roaster (two-stage fluid bed roasters with CIL circuit)
- Goldstrike Autoclave (pressure oxidation with RIL/CaTS process)
- Gold Quarry Roaster (single-stage roasters with CIC/CIL circuits)
- Gold Recovery: Common refinery for all circuits featuring Zadra elution, electrowinning, and doré production
Critical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pipeline Mill Throughput | 16,330 t/d (4.9 Mt/a permitted) |
| Grind Size (CIL Circuit) | 150 µm target |
| CIL Retention Time | 36-48 hours |
| Refractory Ore Transport Limit | 2.3 Mt/a |
| Power Requirement | 12.5 MW total |
| Mill Power | 3,200 kW per mill |
| Heap Leach Power | 1,500 kW |
Special Features
The Pipeline Mill features an innovative CIC circuit for grind thickener overflow solution recovery, capturing gold dissolved during grinding. The facility uses a zero-discharge tailings storage facility with comprehensive liner systems and solution recovery.
For refractory ores, the complex utilizes advanced processing methods including fluid bed roasting with sulfur supplementation when needed, and has demonstrated success with alternative autoclave/RIL processing for borderline refractory ores.
Technical report and processing history
The following archived source profiles have been consolidated here to preserve the project’s processing history and study context.
Cortez Complex — 2022 Technical Report
Cortez Complex — 2022 Technical Report
| Company | Newmont |
| Mine | Cortez Complex |
| Date | 2022 |
| Region | Nevada |
| Commodities | Gold |
Executive Summary
This section of the NI 43-101 Technical Report details the recovery methods employed at the Cortez Complex in Nevada. The facility processes oxide ore through on-site oxide processing facilities, including the Pipeline Mill and heap leach pads, while refractory ore is transported to the Carlin Complex for advanced treatment. The Pipeline Mill is capable of handling up to 16,330 tonnes per day and is permitted for an annual throughput of 4.9 million tonnes. The process involves crushing, grinding, and carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuits for oxide ores, alongside heap leaching for low-grade material.
Refractory ores, characterized by a CNAA:FA ratio of less than 50% or a preg rob value greater than 40%, are shipped to the Carlin Complex facilities at Goldstrike or Gold Quarry. These facilities utilize fluid bed roasters followed by CIL circuits or autoclaves followed by resin-in-leach (RIL) circuits to treat the carbonaceous and sulfide refractory components. The report confirms that all process facilities are constructed and operational, suitable for the life-of-mine plan.
Water supply is managed through well fields, tailings storage facility reclaim, storm run-off, and pit dewatering, ensuring sufficient resources for the LOM plan. The processing infrastructure includes comprehensive refining capabilities, producing gold doré through electrowinning and induction furnaces. The integration of these diverse recovery methods allows for the efficient treatment of varying ore types within the complex.
Processing Overview
- Crushing: Jaw crusher, Cone crusher
- Milling: SAG mill, Ball mill
- Leaching: Heap Leach, Carbon-in-Leach (CIL), Carbon-in-Column (CIC), Resin-in-Leach (RIL)
- Refractory Treatment: Fluid Bed Roaster, Autoclave (Pressure Oxidation)
- Refining: Electrowinning (EW), Induction Furnace
Reports
- reports/2022_Cortez_Complex_NI43101
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortez_Gold_Mine
Report Date: 2022
Region: Nevada
Project Status:
Commodity: Gold
Throughput:
Mine Life:
Mine Type:
Ore type:
