EXTRACTION OF GOLD FROM GOLD-BEARING ORES IN THE PROCESS OF VAT LEACHING USING SODIUM CYANIDE SUBSTITUTES

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the process of gold extraction from ore by 
the method of tank leaching using cyanide substitutes. 
In Kazakhstan, gold is predominantly extracted using heap and tank leaching methods using 
sodium cyanide. This method has demonstrated its effectiveness due to lower capital investment 
and operating costs compared to traditional factory processes. However, with the deterioration of 
the environmental situation, alternative leaching methods, including thiourea and thiosulfate, are 
becoming increasingly important. This paper examines in detail the main stages of tank leaching technology, including ore 
preparation, stacking and irrigation, solution diversion and gold recovery, as well as the problems associated with the use of traditional cyanide methods. The reasons why certain primary ores are not amenable to leaching by this method are discussed, and solutions such as pre-pelletization or 
agglomeration are proposed. In addition, the study provides information on bottle tests conducted to determine the most 
effective cyanide substitutes, highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly and cost effective solutions in the mining industry. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for further research and implementation of alternative gold leaching methods, which can significantly improve 
both the economic characteristics of the processes and the ecosystem as a whole.