The main objectives of the heap leaching pilot tests are to verify and extend the laboratory results on gold dissolution behavior and try to develop and test operating techniques that could be used in a full-scale gold operation. About leaching behavior, it is important to verify the gold extraction, cyanide and lime consumption. Also to determine the effect of ore particle size (e.g. run-of-mine, optimum particle size according to column leach tests) and to evaluate the effect of any potential contaminant such copper in the dissolution of gold and consumption of cyanide. It is important to study the effect of weather. Then, the cyanide solution is applied considering winter and summer operation. It is important to have a good maintenance of adequate temperature is the winter temperature has a potential impact on the gold dissolution.
Basically, the results would give a basis for assessing the feasibility of a full scale heap leaching operation. The winter operation is a key aspect of many gold projects. For example the average daily temperature at the project could be during the winter months about -5 oC, with a maximum-minimum range of 5oC to -10 oC. The effect of rains is other interesting point to consider and also winds, which may cause blizzard conditions during the winter.
Preparing drip irrigation system