Pueblo Viejo – Pressure Oxidation and Air Separation Project

Pueblo Viejo – Pressure Oxidation & Air Separation Project

Barrick Gold Corporation and Goldcorp Inc. | Dominican Republic | 2006–2012

4 largest

autoclaves in the world by weight (2,178 tonnes)

Largest

sulphur-oxidation capacity to date (over 500 kt S/yr)

Award of Merit

Consulting Engineers of Ontario

1.125 million

ounces of gold per annum for the first 5 years

Challenges

The double refractory and polymetallic characteristics of this gold ore make it one of the most complex to process in the world
Production is expected to average 1.125 million ounces of gold per annum for the first five years. The final design capacity is 24 000 t/d, using four autoclave trains
The fabrication and transport of these autoclaves required innovative solutions due to logistical challenges posed by their diameter and length

Solutions

Full EPCM program for the core part of the gold refractory process (pressure oxidation and oxygen plant) began in 2008
The pressure oxidation area included autoclave vessels and auxiliary components; slurry preheat vessels; pressure let-down vessels; vent gas cyclones; vent gas quenching; gas scrubbing; and related support services and utilities
The autoclaves were designed, selected, and had specified linings and installation requirements.
Managed construction of the supplier-designed 4,000 t/d oxygen plant (99.5% gas purity, and 45-bar delivery pressure)

Highlights

Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award of Merit, Pueblo Viejo 2013
The pressure-oxidation and air-separation-unit process areas were delivered on time and on budget despite that logistical challenges
Managed the transportation and logistics of the large pressure oxidation (autoclave) vessels and oxygen plant equipment, including a 120 km, 18-day, cross-country trek to the mine site
The air-separation unit was the largest-capacity oxygen facility built at any gold mine to date, by several orders of magnitude

Project Numbers

1.125 million ounces of gold per annum (first 5 years)
24,000 tpd utilizing 4 autoclave trains
230°C operating temperature
40 bar (g) operation pressure
500 kt S/yr design sulfur-oxidation capacity
Largest autoclaves in the world by weight (2,178 tonnes)
4,000 tpd oxygen plant-design construction management