A review of gold extraction using noncyanide lixiviants: Fundamentals,advancements, and challenges toward alkaline sulfur-containing leaching agents

Chun-bao Sun^1,2，Xiao-liang Zhang¹，Jue Kou^1,2，Yi Xing³

1. School of Civil and Resource Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing2. Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of China for High-Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing3. School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing

摘 要：Alkaline sulfur-containing lixiviants, including thiosulfate, polysulfides, and alkaline sulfide solutions, stand out as a promising class of alternatives to cyanide because of their low toxicity, high efficiency, and strong adaptability. In this paper, we summarized the research progress and remaining challenges in gold extraction using these noncyanide reagents. After a brief introduction to the preparation method, the transformation process of various sulfur-containing species in alkaline solutions was discussed. Thereafter, some insights into the mechanism of gold leaching in alkaline sulfur-containing solutions were presented from different aspects, including thermodynamics analysis, electrochemical dissolution, and leaching kinetics. Moreover, recent progress in in-situ generation of sulfur-containing anions from gold-bearing sulfide minerals was outlined as well. Gold passivation caused by sulfur species was discussed in particular because it is considered the greatest challenge facing sulfur-containing leaching systems. Alkaline sulfur-containing lixiviants are expected to serve as alternatives in industrial applications of gold extraction, particularly for refractory gold ores containing copper and carbonaceous matter.

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