Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

The AusIMM Proceedings 1964

Conference Proceedings

The AusIMM Proceedings 1964

PDF Add to cart

The Effect of Thallium on the Rate of Exraction of Gold from Pyrites Calcine

The addition of a thallous salt to the cyanide leach of a calcined pyritic concentrate causes a marked increase in the rate of extraction of gold. This is due probably to the activation of passive gold by the thallous ions. Lead, bismuth, and mercury salts, which should produce a similar effect, fail to do so. It is postulated that this latter result, together with the reprecipitation of silver at low cyanide levels, is due to the presence of soluble sulphide.INTRODUCTIONThe work of Fink and Putnam (1950) showed that the rate of solution of gold in cyanide can be increased by the addition of small amounts of lead, bismuth, mercury, and thallium salts. Mills (1951), during a study of the electrochemistry of gold, with particular reference to cyanidation, was able to show that gold may become passive towards cyanide solution. The addition of lead or thallium salts prevented this passivity, although the action of lead was limited to the pH range 10 to 12. In a recent paper Cathro (1963) confirmed the findings of Mills, and presented results which showed that the addition of thallium to a cyanide leach of a calcine from Lake View and Star mine, Kalgoorlie, increased the rate of extraction of gold appreciably. In, this paper the use of thallium to prevent the gold becoming passive, and hence to decrease leaching time and cyanide consumption, is examined.EXPERIMENTALA series of leaching tests was carried out on a sample of Lake View and Star calcine, comprising calcined pyrite (about 70 per cent.) and siliceous gangue (about 30 per cent.) and containing 165 p.p.m. gold, 45 p.p.m. silver, 01...
Return to parent product
  • The Effect of Thallium on the Rate of Exraction of Gold from Pyrites Calcine
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • The Effect of Thallium on the Rate of Exraction of Gold from Pyrites Calcine
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 1963
  • PDF Size: 0.87 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P_PROC1964_1051

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.