Hitecc Process
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HiTeCC Process The Metso Outotec HiTeCC (high-temperature caustic conditioning) process is an efficient, robust, and cost-efficient alternative for improving gold recovery when treating preg- Benefits robbing and double-refractory ores and concentrates. Gold • Effective technology for mitigating is efficiently desorbed from the carbonaceous matter then effects of preg-robbing • Low CAPEX and operating costs recovered onto fresh activated carbon. The simplicity of the • Proven commercial track record process ensures low CAPEX and operating costs, consistent • Backed by experienced technology performance, and safe, easy operation. supplier Reagents CIL tails Cooling water Slurry pre-heater Stock tank Loaded Boiler heat exhanger Fresh activated carbon carbon Plant residue Desorption tanks Adsorption tanks Typical HiTeCC plant flowsheet How it works Desorption stage Adsorption stage The Metso Outotec HiTeCC process was developed to treat The feed to the HiTeCC plant is heated through a series of Following the desorption stage, the slurry is cooled down the residue from a conventional leach or CIL circuit. The heat exchangers to between 50 and 80°C depending on to ambient temperature to aid in the adsorption of the process can treat fresh or historic CIL residue tailings, or the ore characteristics. Caustic is added to change the ionic remaining soluble gold onto fresh activated carbon. Carbon a combination of the two, where there is substantial preg- strength of the solution and, in combination with the heat, levels in the tanks are controlled to optimize gold recovery. robbed gold content. aids in desorbing the preg-robbed gold from the natural The process typically consists of six reactors operating in organic carbon. Adsorption of the dissolved gold onto The energy balance and efficient recovery of heat between series, divided into two stages: activated carbon already starts in the desorption stage. the desorption and adsorption stages is important for the HiTeCC process to reduce both the overall energy • Desorption stage – three reactors requirement and the operating cost. • Adsorption stage – three reactors Activated carbon is moved counter current from the end of the adsorption stage, with the carbon levels managed to optimize gold recovery. Suitable for a wide range of preg-robbing feed material Each HiTeCC solution is customized according to the project in question. The process can be configured to treat a wide range of feed material, including: • Oxidized sulfide concentrates, including BIOX and Pox residues • Non-refractory sulfide concentrates • Carbon float concentrate Ongoing R&D and process improvement A hot caustic leaching process was developed and implemented at Kirkland Lake’s Fosterville BIOX operation in Bendigo, Australia. Extensive batch and continuous pilot plant test work was undertaken by the mine metallurgical team during process development, leading to the commissioning of the hot caustic leach circuit in 2009. In 2012, Metso Outotec (then BIOMIN), in agreement with Kirkland Lake Fosterville, developed the technology further, leading to the birth of the HiTeCC process. Metso Outotec has been expanding its HiTeCC technology database through focused research and development programs. The company has also been utilizing industry experts to advance its understanding of process fundamentals, process modeling, and process design development. Moreover, Metso Outotec has been delivering process design solutions for clients who are currently confronted with sub- optimal gold recoveries owing to the presence and varying severity of preg-robbing material. COMMERCIAL HITECC OPERATIONS Enabling more efficient use of natural resources The HiTeCC process is a truly sustainable technology as it Mine Country Feed treatment capacity Date of commissioning Current status unlocks value in current projects and historical tailings that would otherwise not be technically or economically feasible to recover. Fosterville Australia 400 tpd 2010 Operating The process design incorporates energy-efficient heat Suzdal Kazakhstan 400 tpd 2016 Operating exchangers, and the byproducts of the process are benign and can be safely deposited into a tailings storage facility. Robust technology The operation of both the Fosterville and Suzdal HiTeCC plants have confirmed the robustness and simplicity of the HiTeCC process. The process is not sensitive to treating a combination of current CIL residue and reclaimed historical CIL tailings, while maintaining process performance. Metso Outotec proprietary refractory gold technologies HITECC PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Phase Requirements Duration Results Detailed report with: The Metso Outotec BIOX process has been • Outotec preg-robbing index 2–5 kg sample 3 months SCOUTING TESTS • Indicative gold recovery in commercial operation for almost 30 years • Order-of-magnitude reagent consumptions with thirteen plants successfully designed and implemented in that time. Almost 24 ORDER OF MAGNITUDE million ounces of gold have been produced • Conceptual flow diagram Treatment rate, feed AND PRE-FEASIBILITY 2 months • Preliminary equipment list with the help of the technology. The process characteristics, and unit cost data • Order-of-magnitude capital and operating cost estimates STUDY relies on a consortium of micro-organisms to facilitate the oxidation of sulfide minerals, Detailed report with: thus liberating previously occluded gold for • Design parameters BATCH OPTIMIZATION Test-work agreement, 4–6 months • Process performance subsequent recovery through conventional 10 kg sample TESTS • Reagent consumptions leach processing. • Operating strategy Process design package containing: The Metso Outotec ASTER™ process is a • Process design specifications biological process for the destruction of PROCESS DESIGN AND Technology agreement, • Mass and heat balance 2 months key design criteria • Flow diagrams cyanide and thiocyanate in leach residue DEVELOPMENT • Valve and instrument diagrams and equipment list • Detailed equipment specifications solutions, allowing for the recycling or disposal of the detoxified solution. The • Approval of mass balance, process flow diagrams, ENGINEERING DESIGN, and valve and instrument diagrams process results in an improved and fully • Equipment supply CONSTRUCTION, AND Approval of contractor Project dependent • Operating manual integrated water balance in commercial • Operator training COMMISSIONING • Plant commissioning BIOX applications, thus supporting ever- tightening environmental legislation on • Ongoing technical support water usage in both arid and tropical POST-COMMISSIONING • Structured process of plant optimization Ongoing • Regular scheduled technical audits aimed regions. The technology has been in OPTIMIZATION AND AUDITS at process improvement commercial operation for almost eight years, • Services and spares offering with three plants successfully designed and implemented, the largest to date being the Runruno plant in the Philippines, operated by FCF Minerals Exploration. Metso Outotec Corporation, PO Box 1220, FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland tel. +358 20 484 100, fax +358 20 484 101 mogroup.com Partner for positive change Helsinki, Finland. Pinta/Libris, reserved. rights All Outotec. Metso © 2021 Copyright.