New hydrometallurgical treatment technology alternatives for refractory gold ores and primary polymetallic sulphides

Abstract

[EN] In recent times, the Spanish Geological survey (CN GME-CSIC) has played an important role in many areas related to research, prospect and use of gold. It has carried out an important research on state reserves, and has inventoried and valued an important part of the national resources. In the field of hydrometallurgy, research has been carrying out since the 1990s, aimed at improving hydrometallurgical treatments, on the one hand, to increase the recovery of nonferrous metals (Cu-Pb-Zn) in which the Iberian Pyrite Belt is rich and, on the other, to enable the use of the gold contained in refractory minerals as well as the extraction of any other metal present that could be of economic benefit, which would contribute to reduce the operating costs. Through different collaboration agreements with the Junta de Andalucía and the company Protón Ingenieros a hydrometallurgical plant patent was developed, which serves as the starting point for this project.Peer reviewe