Pressure hydrometallurgy is becoming an increasingly common unit operation in the treatment of gold and base metal ores and concentrates. The design of an adequate and appropriate pilot-scale testwork program is, therefore, essential in order to minimise the risks associated with developing a project in which autoclaves form a key part of the operation._x000D_
This paper identifies the approaches that have been taken in the piloting of oxidative and pressure acid leach operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the determination of scale-up ratios between the pilot and commercial plants and the pilot-plant run durations. The issues, both metallurgical and project-specific, that can impact these key parameters are reviewed._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Adams, M D, van der Meulen, D R, Lunt, D J and Anderson, P, 2004._x000D_
Selection of piloting parameters in pressure hydrometallurgy, in Proceedings Metallurgical Plant Design and Operating Strategies 2004, pp 543-556 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).