Integrated Heap Leach Characterization and Optimization

Location

Nevada, USA

Client

Cortez Gold Mines

Project Description

GSA conducted field and laboratory investigations to characterize the physical and unsaturated flow properties of leach ores at this site. Characterization efforts focused on field-scale and large- and small-column testing to determine hydraulic properties of different ore materials and their limiting effects on leach efficiency. Flow and transport modeling was performed to evaluate scaling phenomena and leaching kinetics. Additional integrated solution and gold recovery modeling were performed to develop optimum leaching practices regarding dripper spacing and crush ore size.

Project Highlights