A mathematical model of the cyanidation process for the flotation concentrate of the gold deposit of Central Kazakhstan

Abstract

In this study, the results of the conducted research were used to develop quantitative mathematical models predicting the extraction of gold into solution from the floatation concentrate with a gold content of 17.9% depending on the material grain size, cyanide concentration, and process duration. It was found that with optimal grain size parameters—class 80 mm with a grain size of 10 μm, cyanide concentration of 0.1%, and process time of 20 h, high percentage of gold extraction into solution (86.7%) is achieved. A predictive mathematical model of cyanidation of a flotation concentrate has been constructed, which accounts for the mutual effect of the grain size of the material and concentration of sodium cyanide on the extraction of gold into solution. It has been established that the material grain size is the main factor affecting gold extraction. The variation in the NaCN concentration (from 0.1 to 0.2%) and process duration (from 20 h and longer) only slightly increases the percentage of gold extraction (by 0.3% abs.). The generated mathematical models adequately predict the extraction of gold during the flotation concentrate cyanidation process depending on various process parameters, such as the grain size of the flotation concentrate, consumption of sodium cyanide, and process duration.