The Application of Lead Nitrate in the Zinc Wire Displacement Process of Cyanide Gold Extraction

In the field of gold extraction, the cyanide - zinc wire displacement process is widely used. However, for a certain concentrator, the original process flow had some prominent problems, which we will explore in detail.

Existing Problems in the Original Process

High Consumption of Zinc Wire and Sodium Cyanide

The excessive consumption of zinc wire and sodium cyanide was a major concern. High consumption of zinc wire meant a significant increase in material costs. Similarly, the large - scale use of sodium cyanide not only added to the cost but also brought potential environmental and safety risks due to its toxicity.

Low Gold Recovery Rate

The low gold recovery rate indicated that a large amount of gold was not effectively extracted from the ore, resulting in a waste of valuable resources. These issues not only increased production costs but also affected the overall economic benefits of the enterprise.

Technical Measures Implemented

Optimization of Zinc Wire Displacement Conditions

To address these problems, a series of technical measures were implemented. Firstly, the displacement conditions of zinc wire were optimized. This involved a comprehensive consideration of factors such as temperature, pH value, and the concentration of the cyanide solution in the reaction system. By precisely controlling these parameters, the reaction environment for zinc wire displacement was made more favorable, which could accelerate the displacement reaction and improve the efficiency of zinc wire in replacing gold from the cyanide complex.

Improvement of Lead Salt Addition Method

Secondly, the addition method of lead salt was improved. Lead nitrate, as a commonly used activator in the zinc wire displacement process, plays a crucial role in promoting the displacement reaction. In the original process, the addition method of lead nitrate might not have been the most appropriate, which failed to fully exert its activation effect. The new addition method was designed to ensure that lead nitrate could be evenly distributed in the reaction solution, maximizing its contact with zinc wire and the gold - containing cyanide complex. This was achieved through the use of advanced dosing equipment and optimized dosing procedures. For example, instead of adding lead nitrate all at once, it was added in multiple batches at specific time intervals during the displacement process. This way, a more stable and efficient reaction environment could be maintained.

Achieved Results

Enhanced Zinc Wire Displacement Efficiency

The implementation of these technical measures brought remarkable results. The efficiency of zinc wire displacement was significantly enhanced. The improved reaction conditions and optimized addition of lead nitrate promoted a more rapid and complete displacement reaction, enabling zinc wire to replace gold more effectively.

Reduced Consumption of Zinc Wire and Sodium Cyanide

As a result, the consumption of zinc wire and sodium cyanide was reduced. With the improvement of displacement efficiency, less zinc wire was required to achieve the same level of gold extraction. At the same time, the optimized process also reduced the amount of sodium cyanide consumed in the reaction, which was beneficial for both cost - control and environmental protection.

Increased Gold Recovery Rate

More importantly, the gold recovery rate increased by 3.7%. This improvement in gold recovery rate had a direct and positive impact on the economic benefits of the concentrator. More gold was successfully extracted from the ore, which increased the output of gold products. Considering the high market price of gold, this increase in recovery rate brought a substantial increase in revenue. The reduction in the consumption of zinc wire and sodium cyanide further saved production costs. The combination of increased revenue and reduced costs led to significant economic benefits for the enterprise.

In conclusion, by optimizing the zinc wire displacement conditions and improving the addition method of lead nitrate, the concentrator successfully solved the problems of excessive consumption of zinc wire and sodium cyanide and low gold recovery rate. This case provides valuable experience for other gold extraction enterprises. It shows that through scientific and technological innovation and process optimization, it is possible to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance economic benefits while ensuring environmental protection and safety in the gold extraction process.