RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Orrum Gold has been active in research and development from its inception . Areas of focus include mineralogical and metallurgical aspects of refractory gold ores, the application of the flowsheet to new materials and metals and the addition of new processing steps to optimize and advance the flowsheet.
A key avenue in R&D is the evaluation of new materials provided by clients. Each new testing program provides additional information and insights that allow Orrum to expand its knowledge library. The company is currently involved in research projects in the lithium, platinum group and refractory gold tailings sectors.
PROJECT SHOWCASE
Listed below is a selection of projects undertaken by Orrum Gold. The material type, metals of interest and services rendered are included along with some general project comments.
- Project Location: Zimbabwe
- Client: Rio Zim
- Material Type: Roaster Calcine
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Copper (Minor), Arsenic (Pollutant), Carbonaceous.
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Piloting, Plant Design, Feasibility Study, Joint Venture & Project Management.
- Project Comments: A high grade gold calcine with successful recovery rates into the 90% range. The majority of leachable arsenic extracted and stabilized, removing an environmental pollutant.
Project #1
- Project Location: Zimbabwe
- Client: Private
- Material Type: High-volume, low-grade (1,3 g/t) refractory gold tailings.
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Arsenic (Pollutant), Carbonaceous.
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Piloting, Scoping Study, Project Management, Joint Venture.
- Project Comments: High-volume, low-grade refractory gold tailings from flotation plant. Gold recoveries in excess of 80%.
Project #2
- Project Location: Australia
- Client: Private
- Material Type: Roaster Calcine
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Copper (Minor), Arsenic (Pollutant)
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Scoping Study, Project Management.
- Project Comments: A high grade gold calcine with successful recovery rates into the upper 80% range. Project development & optimization ongoing.
Project #3
- Project Location: South Africa
- Client: Private
- Material Type: Zinc Calcine & Precipitates
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Silver, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Indium (Minor), Gallium (Minor).
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Piloting, Scoping Study, Project Management.
- Project Comments: High grade, polymetallic calcine and precipitates produced at a zinc refinery. The flowsheet was able to treat all materials simultaneously, reducing flowsheet complexity. Total metal recovery rates in excess of 85%.
Project #4
- Project Location: South Africa
- Client: Private
- Material Type: Sulfidic Tailings & Pyritic Concentrate
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Silver, Zinc, Copper, Lead
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Piloting, Scoping Study, Project Management.
- Project Comments: A sulfidic tailings dam composed of pyrite and base metal sulfides. A RoM and concentrate solution investigated. Metal recovery rates above 85% achieved.
Project #5
- Project Location: South Africa
- Client: Private
- Material Type: Roaster Calcine
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Arsenic (Pollutant)
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Piloting, Plant Design, Feasibility Study, Joint Venture, Project Management.
- Project Comments: A high grade gold calcine with successful recovery rates into the 90% range. Leachable arsenic removed and stabilized.
Project #6
- Project Location: South Africa
- Client: Private
- Material Type: High-volume, low-grade (1,4 g/t) refractory gold tailings.
- Metals of Interest: Gold, Arsenic (Pollutant), Carbonaceous.
- Services: Ore Assessment, Laboratory Tests, Piloting, Scoping Study, Project Management, Joint Venture.
- Project Comments: High-volume, low-grade refractory gold tailings from flotation plant. Gold recoveries above 80%. Removal and stabilization of arsenic prevents environmental pollution from tailings.