Oxidation Behavior of Copper Concentrate, Gold Concentrate, and Their Mixtures Between 1173K (900°C) and 1373K (1100°C)

Gold is typically extracted from ores using a cyanidation process. However, environmental regulations and low productivity are the main drawbacks of cyanide usage. Alternative technologies for gold extraction are being studied although development of any new technology necessitates additional investments. In South Korea, recovery of gold and silver is performed by the local copper producer by feeding gold concentrate into a smelter. An integrated copper-making process might be an efficient and feasible alternative for the extraction of precious metals without the use of toxic cyanide. Installed exhaust gas cleaning system of copper smelter would minimize the toxic effects of hazardous elements (arsenic, bismuth, antimony, etc.) contained in gold concentrates. A kinetic and thermodynamic understanding of the effects of gold concentrates on copper metallurgy is necessary for the operation. The effects of various parameters on the oxidation kinetics of sulfides were investigated.