Gold Characterization by MLA and Technological Tests: Discussion of Sample Preparation and Results

Gold has been present throughout the history of mankind and used to make jewelry and coins, and recently, it is put into use in industry. The price of gold in international market had a significant increase, surpassing 100 % in the last 5 years. Thereby, deposits with low levels of gold content as well as gold with complex associations or in a very fine particle size became exploitable again, allowing new projects and expansion of existing ones. However, as maximum process efficiency is indispensable and deep knowledge of the characteristics of these minerals and their behavior in face of beneficiation processes. Consequently, an accurate routine for mineralogical and technological characterization is essential. This chapter presents a methodology for characterizing low-grade ores with fine-grained gold. The procedure was conducted in three different samples from different regions, mineralogical assemblages, and grades.