OBJECTIVES

Copper-gold deposits represent a significant fraction of existing and future gold operations. However, exploiting these deposits using current processing options can be problematic, with the often associated lower gold recoveries, increased operating costs and environmental liabilities impacting on the economic viability. Better processing options for these ores could lead to increased revenue/decreased cost for current operations and convert some uneconomic resources into usable reserves.

Copper-gold ores can be mineralogically very complex, particularly with respect to the deportment (location) of the gold. An increased understanding of the mineralogy and chemistry of gold occurrence in copper-gold ores, and their effect on processing behaviour, should improve planning of the mining, blending and treament of these ores.

Therefore the objectives of this project are to:

• determine the mineralogy of typical copper-gold ores (particularly the deportment of gold) and investigate links between ore mineralogy and gold recovery by a range of processing technologies
  
• assess alternative and novel strategies for copper-gold ore treatment
  
• develop a predictive tool to enable effective and appropriate flowsheet selection for such ores.

INDUSTRY BENEFITS

• improved processing options for copper-gold ores to assist current operations and enable economic gold recovery from deposits that are presently sub-economic.

RESEARCH TEAM
Dr Jim Avraamides (Project Leader)
Mr Bill Staunton
Associate Professor Jeff Vaughan

RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Curtin University
Department of Industry and Resources (WA)
Murdoch University
Advanced Mineral Technology Laboratory (Canada)

PROJECT DURATION
2006-2008