Influence of Mechanochemical Activation on Biooxidation of Auriferous Sulphides

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1995-09-15
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Abstract
The influence of mechanical activation on biooxidation of auriferous concentrate was studied. The study revealed that there has been a substantial change in the structure of the sulphides when the concentrate was mechanically activated. The effects of activation have been monitored in this study by the J-factor, infrared spectrophotometry, x-ray diffractometry and chemical analysis. As a result of the change in the structure of the suiphide minerals, total oxidation of the activated concentrate was achieved within 8 days in contrast to 40% oxidation of the non-activated sample. Because complete liberation of the gold occurred during biooxidation in the case of the activated concentrate, total gold recovery was obtained (98%). It was also found that the carbonaceous materials present were active. As a result, carbon-in-leach process would be necessary to manage the gold recovery in the presence of the carbonaceous materials.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Philosophy in Mining Engineering, 1995
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