Industrial utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings as pellet prepared by straight grate process

Abstract

The utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings is an urgent issue faced by gold production companies worldwide. The thermodynamic analysis results indicate that ferrous arsenate (FeAsO₄), pyrite (FeS₂) and sodium cyanide (NaCN) in the arsenic-containing gold metallurgical tailings can be effectively removed using straight grate process, and the removal of pyrite and sodium cyanide is basically completed during the preheating stage, while the removal of ferrous arsenate requires the roasting stage. The pellets undergo a transformation from magnetite to hematite during the preheating process, and are solidified through micro-crystalline bonding and high-temperature recrystallization of hematite (Fe₂O₃) during the roasting process. Ultimately, pellets with removal rates of 80.77% for arsenic, 88.78% for sulfur, and 99.88% for cyanide are obtained, as well as the iron content is 61.1% and the compressive strength is 3071 N, meeting the requirements for blast furnace burden. This study provides an industrially feasible method for treating arsenic-containing gold smelting tailings, benefiting gold production enterprises.

Keywords

arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings / pelletizing / straight grate process / recycling

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