Solution to Environmental Challenges in Cyanidation of Gold Ores
Today,sodium cyanide is extensively used for extracting gold,however it is highly toxic to the environment if not managed properly.This paper discusses the key challenges presented to gold operations in efforts to come into alignment with the Russian environmental regulations and suggests solutions to overcome these challenges.It is a fact that the major environmental threat cyanide poses to water sources.Therefore,natural water sources should be well protected from the adverse effect of cyanides used in hydrometallurgical processes.For this,the following site procedures and facilities are practiced: in-site and external water recycling systems,reclaim water treatment if required and tailings ponds with water impermeable screens (tailings ponds with controlled leakage).Cost comparison analysis of cyanide destruction methods was carded out.It was revealed that the aldehyde treatment method developed by Irgiredmet JSC demonstrated the best economics.Cyanide emissions are treated by mass-manufactured packed and membrane devices which allow to keep cyanides at the acceptable limiting values established by environmental regulatory agencies.
Cyanides Tailings Detoxification Disposal
V.F.Petrov
Irkutsk Research Institute of Precious and Rare Metals and Diamonds IRGIREDMET JSC,Irkutsk,Russia
国际会议
XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress(第24届国际矿物加工大会)
北京
英文
3838-3841
2008-09-24（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）