Abstract:

Based on the Heap Leaching Process (HLP) adopted in several places in China, only 50 %～60 % gold recovered from 4～5g/t of gold ores was achieved because more than 2 g/t gold was still maintained in residues, especially for the semi-oxidative ores and Cu, As, Sb-bearing gold ores. It is obvious that the HLP is not only for uneconomic, but also for serious waste to such previous mineral resources from the refractory low-grade gold ores. The Carbon-In-Pulp Process (CIP) was strongly recommended in this paper after comparison of the costs and the benefits between HLP and CIP in Baxi Gold Mine in Sichuan Province because the similar medium-low-grade mine resources (Au 4～5g/t) in China are numerous.

Key words: carbon-in-pulp process, low-grad gold ores, hydrometallurgy, gold ores exploration