Gold Ore Heap Leaching Production Line and Process Flow Solution

Gold Ore Heap Leaching Production Line Solution is the most cost-effective method for low-grade and oxide gold ores.

This solution involves crushing, stacking, and spray leaching to dissolve gold, followed by carbon adsorption or zinc precipitation. It features low investment cost and simple operation, making it ideal for large-scale, low-grade deposits.

Step 1: Ore Preparation (Crushing & Agglomeration)

Goal: Achieve optimal particle size for permeability.

• Crushing: Jaw Crusher + Cone Crusher reduce ore to 30-50mm.
• Agglomeration: For ores with high clay/fines, cement is added to bind fines into larger particles, ensuring the heap remains permeable.

Step 2: Heap Construction

Goal: Build a stable, impermeable leaching pad.

• Pad Lining: HDPE Geomembrane prevents solution loss and environmental contamination.
• Stacking: Ore is stacked in lifts using trucks or conveyors. Slope is controlled at 1-3% for drainage.

Step 3: Spray Leaching

Goal: Dissolve gold into solution.

• Spraying: Drip emitters or wobbler sprinklers distribute solution evenly (5-15 L/h/m²).
• Solution Control: Cyanide concentration 0.05-0.1%, pH 10-11 (maintained by lime).

Step 4: Gold Recovery

• Adsorption: Pregnant solution passes through Activated Carbon Columns (CIC) to adsorb gold.
• Merrill-Crowe: For high-grade/silver-rich solutions, Zinc Dust Precipitation is used.
• Refining: Loaded carbon is stripped, electrowon, and smelted into bullion.

Project: Low-Grade Oxide Gold Mine

• Raw Ore Grade: 1.2 g/t
• Heap Size: 500,000 tons
• Leaching Cycle: 30 Days
• Cost: < 200 Yuan/g (Highly Profitable)
• Payback Period: 1.5 Years

Q1: What ores are best for Heap Leaching?

A: Oxidized Gold Ores with low grade (< 2g/t) and porous structure are ideal. Sulfide ores usually require pre-oxidation (roasting/bio-oxidation) or are not suitable.

Q2: Why is Agglomeration necessary?

A: If the ore contains too much clay or fines, the heap will become impermeable (clogged), preventing solution flow. Agglomeration (mixing with cement/lime in a drum) binds fines to coarse rock, ensuring good permeability.

Q3: How long does leaching take?

A: The leaching cycle depends on ore permeability and crush size. It typically ranges from 30 to 90 days, but can extend to months for Run-of-Mine (ROM) leaching.

Get Your Custom Heap Leaching Design

We provide full solutions including Pad Design, Irrigation Systems, and Recovery Plants.
Contact us for a Column Leaching Test and quotation.

👇 Fill out the inquiry form below!