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Development of a predictive geometallurgical recovery model for the La Colosa, Porphyry Gold Deposit, Colombia
conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 12:05 authored by Leichlister, S, Julie HuntJulie Hunt, Ronald BerryRonald Berry, Keeney, L, Montoya, PA, Chamberlain, V, Jahoda, R, Drews, ULa Colosa, Colombia is a large gold-porphyry deposit currently undergoing feasibility studies by AngloGold Ashanti. This period of development allows the opportunity to apply innovative and emerging testing and modelling methods to provide a predictive geometallurgical recovery model for the deposit. By partnering with the AMIRA P843A Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling (GeMIII) research project, the geological and mineralogical data are analysed with respect to liberation and recovery methods. This will allow the variability in the geology and mineralogy of the deposit and key relationships recognised in the data to be included in the development of a model to help predict recoveries of the gold. Many aspects of the gold mineralisation such as gold paragenesis, associations, grain size and texture are determined and analysed using optical microscopy, Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA), and laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS). At La Colosa the gold has been located in sulfides (eg pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite), silicates, along silicate phase boundaries, and among the pyrite-rich intermediate argillic alteration. Further testing and analysis will also determine if ‘invisible’ gold is present in the pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Recovery methods can also be determined and tested after combining the results of mineralogy tests with other data (eg results of comminution tests). Indices for the mineralisation and recovery are developed using image analysis and analytical testing. These indices are correlated with recovery data from the company to develop a predictive block model for recovery. The goal is to develop cost-effective, efficient methods to analyse the mineralogy and geology of the deposit; understand the variability in the mineralogy, geology, and recovery; and construct a predictive geometallurgical recovery model.
Funding
Australian Research Council
AMIRA International Ltd
ARC C of E Industry Partner $ to be allocated
Anglo American Exploration Philippines Inc
AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited
Australian National University
BHP Billiton Ltd
Barrick (Australia Pacific) PTY Limited
CSIRO Earth Science & Resource Engineering
Mineral Resources Tasmania
Minerals Council of Australia
Newcrest Mining Limited
Newmont Australia Ltd
Oz Minerals Australia Limited
Rio Tinto Exploration
St Barbara Limited
Teck Cominco Limited
University of Melbourne
University of Queensland
Zinifex Australia Ltd
History
Publication title
Proceedings of the 1st International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet 2011)Editors
S DominyPagination
85-92ISBN
9781921522499Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Australasian Institute of Mining and MetallurgyPlace of publication
Burwood, VIC, AustraliaEvent title
1st International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet 2011)Event Venue
BrisbaneDate of Event (Start Date)
2011-09-05Date of Event (End Date)
2011-09-07Rights statement
Copyright unknownRepository Status
- Restricted