Mineralogical characteristics and recovery process optimization analysis of a refractory gold ore with gold particles mainly encapsulated in pyrite and Arsenopyrite

To interpret the leaching rules, select suitable treatment methods, or optimize the treatment process of refractory gold ores, an in-depth analysis of ore characteristics using ore mineralogy is required. In this study, the mineralogical characteristics of a low-grade refractory gold ore were analyzed by a variety of analytical techniques and methods. The ore composition was obtained by chemical analysis, and the main minerals include gold, pyrite, arsenopyrite, feldspar, mica, and quartz. Gold exists in the form of sub-microscopic gold with a particle size of fewer than 1.7 μm, of which 56.90 % is encapsulated gold, 16.97 % is semi-coated gold, and 26.13 % is fractured gold. The content, classification, shape, grain distribution, and occurrence state of the main minerals in the gold ore were obtained by microscopic observation and statistical analysis. Based on the results, the leaching rules of the gold ore were predicted, and suggestions for optimizing the pretreatment process were put forward. These results can accurately guide the pretreatment and leaching process of the gold ore and lay a foundation for the effective utilization of comparable gold ores.