Abstract:

Gold mineral processing is directly governed by ore type and its mineralogical and physicochemical properties. As most economically viable gold resources occur in vein gold deposit, this paper classifies gold ores based on their geological characteristics, gold occurrence, and associated mineral assemblages. Detailed ore characterization—including gold grain size, liberation behavior, and associations with sulfide and gangue minerals—is emphasized as the foundation for process selection and optimization.

This paper also reviews and summarizes practical processing routes applied in operating gold plants, including gravity separation, flotation, cyanide leaching, and selected combined processing flowsheets. From an operational and industrial perspective, representative case examples are presented, covering geometallurgical process development and the integration of ore characterization with plant operation. These examples demonstrate how a systematic understanding of ore variability can be used to maximize gold recovery, improve plant stability, and maintain cost-effective gold production.

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Dr. Shijie Wang