Autoclave Technology

Improved

gold recovery from refractory ores

60 L to 630,000 L

autoclave design capacities

2,178 tonnes

world’s largest gold autoclaves by weight

Designs

for: Au-Ag, Cu-Ag-Au, Ni-Co/Ni-Co-Cu, TiO₂, uranium

Challenges

Some ores require a high-temperature, high-pressure pretreatment process before leaching in order to improve metal recovery from the complex ore. Autoclaves are a preferred component of the process for many large-scale sulfidic refractory bodies, including such processes as Au-Ag pressure oxidation; Cu-Ag-Au pressure oxidation; Ni-Co pressure leach; Ni-Co-Cu concentrate pressure oxidative leach; and TiO₂HCL pressure leach.

To select the right, best process, mining companies need to consider capital costs, operating costs, ore recovery, and environmental impacts. Given the size and complexity of the ore bodies and the remote locations in which they're often found, understanding the mineralogy and potential extraction methods can provide a real benefit when it comes to establishing cost-effective mining infrastructure and solid operational plans.

Because each autoclave project is site- and ore-specific, mining companies need an engineering partner with the right experience and expertise to provide the best solutions.

Solutions

Every autoclave and preleach circuit is a custom design, based on the experience and expertise of the design team.With the right innovative and proprietary equipment designs, your pressure-oxidation needs can be effectively met.

Our services are unique to your needs. We operate through the entire range of activities: feed-stock testing, construction material selection, advanced instrumentation, attention to safety, and operator-friendly plant layout. The entire spectrum—or whatever elements are most appropriate to your operation—leads to successful pressure oxidation of refractory ores and sulfide concentrates.

We provide the following services:

Test-work planning and management
Process flow sheet development
Economic reviews
Scoping studies
Feasibility studies

Detail engineering
Procurement
Construction management
Preoperations
Operations support.

Benefits

Increased recoveries from refractory ore
Greater availability due to proprietary technologies

Increased autoclave reliability as a result of historical design experience
Enhanced energy efficiency with preheaters

Blogs

Ice roads. Bears. Blizzards

Marie-Hélène Biffi

When there's a risk that a big capital project may slide off track, the first line of action is often the project control experts and their systems. At a remote site, like Gahcho Kué, all the normal considerations are magnified.

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