Objective
The gravity concentration of fine heavy particles is an extremely difficult problem in mineral processing and a large research effort is devoted to this topic in western countries (Canada, United States, France, etc.). This project is oriented towards the resolution of a problem linked to the dredging gold mining industry where there is a possible solution using fine gravity separation. About 2,000 dredges dispersed around the 3.2 Mkm2 of the Yakutsk Republic in Russia are producing 300,000 tonnes per year of low-grade fine concentrate (about 50 to 100 g/t of gold). They are further processed by cyanidation in a centralised hydrometallurgical plant at Aldan (average distance of more than 1,000 km). The objective of this project is to enrich the concentrate without significant losses of gold to about 200-500 g/t on the production site itself in order to reduce the transportation cost. A successful outcome of this research would increase gold production in Russia and hence the trade balance.
The methodology of the study will be based on: product characterisation; tests of new gravimetric equipment; modelling of the concentration of valuable elements and the elimination of toxic elements, taking into account the size distribution of the components; and economic pre-evaluation of the results.
The following results are expected: development of a methodology allowing an increase of the concentration of fine gold particles; development of a model which will quantify the influence of the different parameters in the treatment of fine gold particles by a multi-gravity separator; resolution of a typical and important problem of the Siberian gold dredging industry; training of operators from the Siberian dredging industry in new technologies; and development of a better relationship between research institutes and the industry.
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
45060 Orléans
France