Physico-chemical characteristics of tailings from Gango Gold Mine

Type Journal Article - Journal of Chemical, Biological and Physical Sciences (JCBPS)
Title Physico-chemical characteristics of tailings from Gango Gold Mine
Author(s)
Volume 7
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 201-207
URL http://search.proquest.com/openview/f4c1d824b4d9aae7ecf0e1e45a427ffa/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1036​410
Abstract
The physico-chemical characteristics of the Gango gold mine tailings and the economic feasibility of reprocessing it was investigated. Characterization was made in two categories of tailings: the surface tailings and the 1m deep tailings. The results showed that both surface and 1m deep tailings are alkaline at pH 9.80 and 8.98, respectively. Ignition at 500˚C resulted in a minimal loss of weight for both surface and 1m deep tailings implying that the tailings contain only a traced amount of volatile substances. The sulfur content of the tailings is at the average of 2.03%. The presence of sulfur may trigger a harmful environmental condition called acid mine drainage. Substantial amount of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co, Pb, Ag, and Au were assayed in the Gango gold mine tailings. In terms of the economic aspect, the tailings contain substantial amount of gold (7.38 g Au/t) with significant economic value. It is estimated that the tailings pond at Gango Gold Mine contains more than 945 kg of gold. Reprocessing of Gango gold mine tailings to recover the precious gold metal is highly viable.

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