ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS IN GOLD FLOWSHEET DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT Environmental impact and permitting requirements in gold flowsheet development are often overlooked until very late in the project. However, environmental considerations should be addressed following initial flowsheet definition and be dealt with concurrently with metallurgical unit operation specification. Environmental factors, which are highly site specific, play a significant role in the project feasibility study and process selection. This paper describes the important environmental laboratory test procedures and process considerations in gold flowsheet development. Discussions include waste rock and effluent classification and treatment, water management, and acid mine drainage potential and prediction. Selection criteria for cyanide destruction alternatives, including alkaline chlorination, SO 2 -air, hydrogen peroxide, and acidic regeneration are also discussed.