Mintek-BacTech's bacterial-oxidation technology for refractory gold concentrates: Beaconsfield and beyond

Mintek and BacTech have joined forces to provide the metallurgical industry with bacterial-oxidation processes for the treatment of sulphide ores. The processes are aimed at both refractory gold-bearing and base-metal concent rates. Previously, BacTech had commercially implemented the refractory gold process at the Youanmi Gold Mine in Western Australia. More recently, the process has been incorporated in the Sulphide Treatment Plant at the Beacon sfield Gold Mine in Tasmania, Australia. In addition, Mintek and BacTech ha ve recently signed an agreement with the Laizhou Gold Metallurgy Plant in C hina's Shandong Province, which will see the third commercial realization o f the technology for refractory gold. Development of the base-metal technol ogy is the subject of several papers in the proceedings of this colloquium. The implementation of the refractory gold technology at Beaconsfield is dis cussed in detail. Some important aspects that are covered include: Test work, and the choice of bacterial culture Process design choices, and the advantages of the Mintek-BacTech process Inoculum build-up Plant commissioning Plant performance. Besides the Laizhou project, Mintek and BacTech are currently investigating several other commercial prospects for the technology. These include the u se of the technology for a gold-copper deposit, where the production of bot h gold and copper is envisaged.