Heap leaching is a popular low-cost processing method for extracting metals from ores and other compounds. Leaching is effective on gold, silver, copper, and other metals such as iron. Leaching involves using crushers, screens, and stackers to create a large stockpile of sized and stacked rock. The stockpile is underlain by a plastic liner and the stockpile is sprayed from above by chemical reagents that dissolve the metals in the rock, and carry them down to the bottom of the stack where drainage piping directs the metal-rich fluids to a processing circuit.
Heap leaching typically involves the use of cyanide, and cyanide destruction or recycling circuits. Leaching is most commonly applied early in a mine cycle when capitol is in short supply, or to a disseminated low grade gold deposit such as is found in the Carlin trend of Nevada. Cost reduction is achieved by avoiding investment in a grinding and/or flotation and thickening circuit until a sufficient volume of ore has been processed to generate cash flow, or in the case of large open pit mines grinding may not be required to sufficiently extract metals due to their low grade and chemical reactivity. Heap leaching is typically regarded as a low cost low percent recovery simple solution for gold extraction.
D'Angelo International sells crushing, sizing, stacking, and processing equipment for heap leaching. We also provide Merrill Crowe and CCD equipment for downstream processing of metals. We can provide machines for spares, replacements, or new start ups, and also complete plants.
Contact D'Angelo International today to discuss your heap leaching project
