This article summarizes the processing and recovery methods for the Irokinda gold mine as detailed in the 2012 NI 43-101 technical report.
Report context
The technical report, effective April 1, 2012, and dated August 30, 2012, was prepared for High River Gold Mines Ltd. and OJSC Buryatzoloto regarding the Irokinda gold mine in the Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation. It provides an audit of resource and reserve estimates, along with descriptions of mining and processing operations.
Processing route
Mineral processing overview
The report describes the mineral processing and metallurgical testing at the Irokinda mine. Material composition and a processing flowsheet are presented, with the flowsheet designed to treat the specific ore from the deposit.
The processed material composition is described, and the processing flowsheet is outlined. The report notes that the processing plant utilizes a conventional gold recovery circuit.
Recovery methods
Processing is carried out at a dedicated plant using a flowsheet that includes crushing, grinding, and gravity concentration followed by cyanide leaching. The report specifies that the plant recovers gold through a combination of gravity separation and cyanidation.
The tailings storage facility is also described in the context of overall site operations, with the storage of tailings from the processing plant managed separately.
Design and operating basis
The report distinguishes between proposed design parameters and historical operating data for the processing plant. It notes that the plant has operated since the mine began production, with the flowsheet having been adjusted over time based on ore characteristics.
Testwork data, including metallurgical testing, supported the design of the processing route and provide the basis for recovery expectations outlined in the report.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Ore composition | Gold-bearing sulfide ore | Design |
| Primary recovery method | Gravity concentration plus cyanidation | Design/operating |
| Flowsheet | Crushing, grinding, gravity, leaching | Design |
| Tailings storage | On-site facility | Existing |
| Plant status | Operational as of report date | Actual |
Technical qualifications
The report notes specific limitations regarding the processing sections. The mineral processing description is based on historical operating data and does not include pilot plant testing or detailed mass balance calculations. The report also states that the flowsheet may require modification if ore characteristics change.
Additionally, the report does not provide a detailed economic analysis of the processing operation, and recovery estimates are based on historical performance rather than new testwork.
Source: High River Gold Mines Ltd. and OJSC Buryatzoloto, NI 43-101 Technical Report and Audit of the Resource and Reserve Estimates for the Irokinda Gold Mine, Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation, effective April 1, 2012, report date August 30, 2012, sections 13.0 and 17.0.
