Investigation of techniques to replace amalgamation in artisanal gold mining operations

Artisanal gold mining is the leading source of anthropogenic mercury emissions worldwide. This article explores cost-effective leaching methods for skilled miners to address mercury's environmental and health impacts in this sector. A sample from Colombia's La Maria deposit, containing 48.87 ppm gold, ground 80% below 0.13 mm, served as basis comparison. The standard whole ore amalgamation approach, commonly used by miners, resulted less than 19% extraction. However, employing cyanidation with 1g/L free cyanide extracted 84% within 24 hours. Among unconventional processes investigated, using effluent a local cassava processing plant lixiviant demonstrated promise. Two varieties produced liquids 267 600 mg/L cyanide, 50.9% 82.4% extraction hours, respectively. Another alternative method involved Dimethyl sulfoxide, water-free reagent, gold-leaching lixiviant, resulting remarkable 96.5% just 2 researchers also modified Merrill-Crowe process eliminating filtration vacuum, instead utilizing bags filled zinc (or aluminum) pulp. With reduced agitation prevent aeration, over 99% precipitated on shavings Furthermore, testing hydrochloric solution (50%) an oxidant 83.9% 100% 8 hours at ambient temperature 50°C, It crucial note that successful implementation these strategies necessitates knowledge, investment, customization suit specific site conditions.