On the aqueous oxidation of polymetallic Cu-Zn-Pb gold-bearing sulphide ore in an autoclave

The paper presents a study on the oxidation of polymetallic gold ore by oxy gen in an autoclave. It presents optimum parameters of autoclave leaching o f sulphide refractory ore in self-generated sulphuric acid solutions aiming to gel products with favourable technological characteristics from which p recious and other useful metals can be recovered. A high partial oxygen pre ssure (1.5 MPa to 2 MPa), high leaching temperature (190 degreesC to 200 de greesC) pulp density 80 g/L to 240 g/L, ore fraction size 76 mum and leachi ng time up to 4 hours yield good results in rich ores. The full extent of c opper and zinc conversion as well as a high extent of iron conversion has b een achieved, while lead, gold and silver and a minor part of iron remain a s a solid residue among gangue minerals.