The role of protective alkalinity and Ca2+ ions in the cyanidation of refractory silver ores.

A study was carried out of the effect of protective alkali on Ag extraction from refractory ores taken from the Kutahya-Gumuskoy region of Turkey and the behaviour of dissolved Ca2+ ions during cyanidation. High concentrations of protective alkali were shown to be beneficial in the cyanidation of these ores, in contrast to gold cyanidation where they prohibit gold dissolution. Calcium ions are advantageous in the cyanidation of sulphidic Ag ores since they prevent the detrimental effects of ions which hinder Ag dissolution and consume CN- ions. High concentrations of protective alkali was also found to decrease cyanide consumption.
A study was carried out of the effect of protective alkali on Ag extraction from refractory ores taken from the Kutahya-Gumuskoy region of Turkey and the behaviour of dissolved Ca2+ ions during cyanidation. High concentrations of protective alkali were shown to be beneficial in the cyanidation of these ores, in contrast to gold cyanidation where they prohibit gold dissolution. Calcium ions are advantageous in the cyanidation of sulphidic Ag ores since they prevent the detrimental effects of ions which hinder Ag dissolution and consume CN- ions. High concentrations of protective alkali was also found to decrease cyanide consumption.