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Characterization of Newmont Ore Body Using Cyanide Leach Method
Robert Stepper and Erin Stevens
Abstract
For over a century, gold production throughout the world has been achieved through the process of cyanidation. Although the process has proven to be controversial, the gold cyanidation method boasts the highest recovery yields of precious metal processing and is also the most cost efficient.
Newmont Mining Corporation has submitted a barrel of TC-SLC ore from the Twin Creeks Mine in Golconda, Nevada to Montana Tech of the University of Montana. Newmont has asked for the characterization of the ore body as well as an analysis of cyanide leaching.
The effects of cyanide leaching on the Newmont ore body will be studied. This includes ore characterization before and after leaching as well as a detailed description of precious metal yields. The effects of mineralogy, particle size, cyanide concentration, pH, and oxidation/reduction potentials will be studied in detail.
Biography
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Robert Stepper is from Butte, Montana where he attended local schools, he graduated in 1987. Robert began work in the processing industry in 1989 were he started work as laborer for a major mining corporation. After a couple of months he moved into an operating position, running a number of different process operations including leach plant, bio leach, crushers, control room, and pit dewatering. From 1996 until 1999 Robert assumed a supervisory position where he looked over the day to day operations of a 60,000 ton per day crushing and leaching operation. From 1999 until 2001 Robert worked in other operations as a float operator, crusher operator, and molybdenum plant operator. Robert returned to school in order to advance his knowledge and understanding of mineral processing in August of 2001 where is currently a senior in Montana Tech of The University of Montana’s Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Program.
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This is Erin’s third year participating in the Undergraduate Research Program. She grew up in Missoula, Montana and attended Hellgate High School. She’s currently a junior in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Program at Montana Tech and plans on graduating in May 2007.
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