A new extraction process of refractory gold arsenosulfide concentrates

A new hydrometallurgical process for the refractory gold arsenosulfide concentrates under normal temperature and pressure was presented. The experimental results of a refractory gold concentrate show that the total consumption of NaOH in alkaline leaching is only 40% of those theoretically calculated under the conditions of full oxidization at the same oxidation of arsenic to arsenate and sulfur to sulfate. After alkaline leaching, cyanidation and adsorption were carried out for 24 h. The dissolution of gold by NaCN is increased to 95.3% from 12.8% before pretreatment, and meanwhile 99.3% of the adsorption of gold by activated charcoal.The consumption of NaCN for one ton ore is 10 kg, which is 1.2 times less than that before pretreatment. As it is carried out under normal temperature and pressure, the investment of installations is also decreased.