Abstract

ROJAS-REYES, Néstor Ricardo  and  ECHEVERRY-VARGAS, Luver. Characterization of high-grade gold deposits in northeastern Antioquia-Colombia. Dyna rev.fac.nac.minas [online]. 2021, vol.88, n.217, pp.68-74.  Epub Nov 11, 2021. ISSN 0012-7353.  https://doi.org/10.15446/dyna.v88n217.88766.

Mineralogical characterization is a fundamental stage when designing and implementing metallurgical extraction processes. In the case of gold mining, knowing how the metal forms and its mineralogical associations is an essential tool when minimizing losses or designing processes. Northeast Antioquia has distinguished itself as one of the main gold producing areas in Colombia. Here, a characterization of different samples from this Colombian region was done using XRD, XRF, QUEMSCAN, SEM-EDX, fire assay, conventional cyanidation, and froth flotation tests. The analyses performed classify this deposit as “high grade,” with values up to 81 g/t of gold. Quartz is the most common mineral, followed by muscovite, pyrite, and potassium feldspar. Gold was found in the form of electrum associated with sulfide minerals, therefore, a conventional flotation process is proposed, with an average recovery of 90%.

Keywords : mineral characterization; mercury pollution; artisanal mining; Colombia; Antioquia; gold.

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