What is oxidized gold ore and how to choose it?

Oxidized gold ore refers to the gold ore that has undergone weathering and oxidation processes, resulting in the formation of oxide minerals such as iron oxide and manganese oxide, and the destruction or disappearance of sulfide minerals. The oxidized gold ore usually has a lower grade and is more difficult to extract compared to the primary gold ore, but it is still a valuable source of gold.

When choosing oxidized gold ore for extraction, it is important to consider its grade, mineral composition, and physical characteristics. The grade of the ore determines its economic value and the amount of gold that can be extracted. The mineral composition affects the selection of the extraction process and equipment, as well as the optimization of the process parameters. The physical characteristics such as particle size and distribution, specific surface area, and porosity influence the efficiency of the extraction process.

There are several methods that can be used to extract gold from oxidized gold ore, including cyanide leaching, carbon adsorption, heap leaching, and bioleaching. Cyanide leaching is a widely used method that involves the use of cyanide solution to dissolve the gold and then recover it by adsorption onto activated carbon. Heap leaching involves the stacking of the ore on a pad and irrigating it with a leaching solution, which dissolves the gold and then collects it in a recovery system.

Bioleaching is a relatively new method that uses microorganisms to extract gold from the ore. The microorganisms oxidize the sulfide minerals in the ore, which releases the gold for extraction. The advantage of this method is that it is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods.

In summary, oxidized gold ore is a valuable source of gold, but it requires careful consideration of its characteristics and selection of the appropriate extraction method. A thorough understanding of the ore and the extraction process is essential to maximize the recovery of gold and minimize the impact on the environment.