Ore Characterization and Quality Control Aspects of Gold Cyanidation: the Cil Plant as a Case Study in Sudan

Abstract

Mineralogical and chemical studies are key to mineral processing because they present the problem of low-grade ores to the metallurgist or mineral processing engineer. Quality control operations are also significant in obtaining good products by flowing the sequences of processes. In this study, the ore was characterized, and quality control issues were discussed. Results showed that the gold grade is 9.7 g/ton, the minerals are mainly silicates, and the pH of the ore is high, which means that without pre-treatment, i.e., roasting, oxidation, etc., it can be cyanided directly. Therefore, the CIL plant could recover more than 90% gold. In quality control of the plant, from each unit at a different time, a representative sample and an accumulative sample were collected and then subjected to analysis like fineness and solid percentage, moisture, and conditions of cyanidation. The results showed steady operation conditions for each unit.