Application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for Simultaneous Optimization of Kinetic Parameters Affecting Gold Leaching in Thiosulfate Based Media: A Statistical Approach

Over the years, use of new alternative lixiviants for gold extraction has been investigated to overcome environmental concerns resulting from cyanidation process. Moreover, with global economic factors causing a decline in prices, it is crucial that novel hydrometallurgical methods extracting minimise operational costs by using low-priced reagents such as thiosulfate. In current study, response surface methodology (RSM) approach used optimize kinetic (temperature and copper, ammonia, thiosulphate concentration) affecting leaching. Gold ore assayed at 16 g/t was characterized through X-ray fluorescence diffraction spectrometric analysis well scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive technique. predominantly siliceous minor pyritic content. The results indicate strong relationship between actual leaching recovery data RSM model. Correlation coefficients R2 adjusted are equivalent 0.9869 0.9817. copper-ammonia-thiosulfate media best described chemical reaction-controlled process, suggesting dissolution thiosulfate considerably affected increase temperature. effect temperature mostly significant, contributing up 64.65% contribution percentages effects time, [S2O3], ammonia [NH3], copper [Cu] concentrations were calculated 12.81%, 5.88%, 5.19%, 4.65%, respectively. All parameters found statistically significant p value <0.05. optimal achieve potentially complete its copper-ammoniacal based on 0.5 M S2O3, 3 NH3, 0.003 Cu2+ desirability unity (d = 1.000).