Direct Cupric Chloride Leaching of Gold from Refractory Sulfide Ore: Process Simulation and Life Cycle Assessment

A simulation-based life cycle assessment was conducted to compare the impacts of different cyanide-free chloride processing routes for refractory ores determine whether one-stage leaching gold from could be advantageous over after conventional pressure oxidation an environmental perspective. It shown that both conditions and refractoriness ore strongly affect process. The global warming potential in direct route determined vary between 7.7–17.0 t CO2-eq 1 kg gold/Au. Prerequisites sustainable application process are suggested.