Extraction of gold from local ores by non-dangerous and non-polluted process

Abstract

Extraction of gold from its ores is mainly accomplished with cyanidation. The replacement of cyanide by a non-toxic alternative is becoming important. After almost two decades in the field of electrochemical extraction of gold, thiosulfate leaching appears to be the most promising alternative to cyanidation for the recovery of gold from its ores. This thesis concerns on: (I) replace cyanide by using this non-toxic alternative, (2) optimizing the variables that control the leaching process, (3) characterization and concentration of gold minerals from El Sukari and Hamash mines. (4) Leaching of gold ore applying the optimum conditions achieved. At the end, cementation using zinc and copper powders were tested for recovering gold from the thiosulfate leach liquor.