METULLARGY OF GOLD

(1) INTRODUCTION
Gold occurs principally as a native metal, usually alloyed to a

greater or lesser extent with silver(as electrum), or sometimes with

mercury (as an amalgam). Native gold can occur as sizeable

Nuggets embedded in rock minerals. Ores in which gold occurs in

chemical composition with other elements are comparatively rare.

They include calaverite, sylvanite, nagyagite, petzite and

krennerite.

(2) Extraction of gold using cyanide

Gold cyanidation (also known as the cyanide process or the

MacArthur-Dingus process) is a metallurgical technique for

extracting gold from low-grade ore by converting the gold to a

water soluble coordination complex. It is the most commonly used

process for gold extraction. Gold is found in very low

concentrations in the ore from which it is mined. To collect the

gold from the ore it needs to be separated from the other minerals

in the ore. To do this the gold needs to be made into a soluble form

so that it can be separated from the other minerals as gold is

insoluble. To make gold soluble sodium cyanide (NaCN) is added

and the cyanide ion forms a complex ion with the gold. This

complex ion, [Au(CN)2] is readily soluble.

(A) TREATMENT:
The ore is ground and crushed to make a slurry.

(B) LEACHING:
The treated gold then has sodium cyanide added to it and the

following reaction:

Au + 2CN- Au(CN)2-

In this form the gold is now soluble. This process is known as

leaching. This reaction is normally carried out at a pH of 10-11

as this prevents cyanide ion being converted to hydrogen cyanide

which would occur if the pH was lower. Because gold is soluble in

this form it can now be separated from the rest of the ore that is

insoluble. This process of dissolving the gold using cyanide is

known as leaching. Sometimes some other precious metals can

also be leached along with the gold, for example silver. This
 process of leaching is done in leaching tanks or by heap leaching

where sodium cyanide is dripped onto a heap of gold ore and left to

percolate its way through the heap of gold ore.

(C) ABSORPTION:
The dissolved gold in the form of the complex now needs to be

separated out and recovered. This can be done by a process called

absorption. Absorption is when gaseous or dissolved species

attach to a solid surface. A substance called activated carbon is

used to absorb the gold. Activated carbon is formed from wood,

peat, coal, etc. It is treated so that gold will absorb to its surface.

The majority of the gold will absorb onto this activated carbon.

(D) REFINING OF GOLD:

The activated carbon is then washed with water or air on screen,

and the gold can be further purified by electro winning which

use electricity. It is then further refined until the final product is

obtained.

(E) RECYCLING OF CYANIDE:

The remaining cyanide in the slurry now needs to be disposed of or

recycled in some way. As mentioned above cyanide is toxic and

cannot be allowed into the local environment.

 There are a number of natural processes that get rid of cyanide.

Included in this list are:

*Volitisation when CN - turns into HCN at low pHs and

then this becomes gaseous.

*Absorption when CN- naturally absorbs onto solid surfaces,

e.g. soil particles.

*Microbial degradation some bacteria naturally break

down cyanide.

These processes can all occur in holding pools in which the slurry

after gold extraction is put into. Some chemical processes can also

be used. One of these is the Cyanisorb process which is used at a

mine near Waihi. This takes the slurry and reacts it at low pH

forming hydrogen cyanide which can be converted back to cyanide

ion for reuse later. The use of air mixed in helps this process.

(3) Issues of gold extraction using

cyanide
Cyanide is toxic to animal and plant life and may cause death if

exposed to high enough doses. Free cyanide is cyanide ion (CN-)

and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which is often gaseous as it is volatile.

Free cyanide causes cellular asphyxiation.

 (4) USES OF GOLD
Gold is the most useful mineral on the planet thanks to its variable

properties. The luster has led to its use as jewelry. The metal can

also be alloyed, pressed into thin sheets and wire drawn. The

following are just some of the many uses of gold.

*Gold Leaf and Gliding

When the metal is pressed into thin sheets (called gold leafs), it can

be set on odd picture frame surfaces. Gliding can also be applied

on furniture and molding. This practice is very common. Its

possible because the metal is malleable. It is the only mineral that

can be flattened to thousands of an inch thick.

*Making Glass

Gold is also used in creation of glass, usually as a pigment.

Typically, a small quantity is dangled in glass as it is annealed. The

end result is a vivid ruby hue. Some companies use the metal to

make specialty glass for climate controlled complexes. The process

varies. But generally a small quantity is scattered in the glass. Solar

radiation is directed out, keeping heat out and the interior cool.

The reverse happens during the winter. Heat is projected into the
 building, keeping it warm. Sometimes the metal is coated in the

glass rather than dispersed. The result is the same.

*For Trophies and Crowns

Since time immemorial gold has been applied for crowns worn by

royals. Its the metal used for trophies and awards. The expression

gold standard is equivalent to excellence of the highest form.

*Usage in Space Technology

Gold is malleable but it is very dependable. Thats why it is used by

NASA in their space shuttles. The metal is used in circuitry as a

connector and conductor. Gold layered polyester film is applied in

spacecraft. It assists in temperature stabilization and infrared

radiation reflection. If this isnt used, heat will build up on the

crafts dark colored areas.This metal also functions as a lubricant

for craft components. Standard lubricants cant be used in space

due to radiation. The molecular structure of gold, plus its shear

strength makes them suitable. An astronauts helmet visor has gold

film. The film protects an astronauts skin and eyes.

*Uses of Gold in Medicine

In cancer treatment, radioactive gold isotope particles are set in

tissues and used as a source of radiation. Aurothioglucose

injections help in dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Gold is also

 applied in life-support devices and some forms of medical

diagnosis.

*Gold in Dentistry

Gold alloys are required for orthodontic appliances, bridges,

crowns and fillings. Gold is costly, but it is used because no other

metal works as well. When it comes to performance wise and

aesthetics, it is the best among metals. It is also non-allergenic and

chemically inert. There is evidence gold has been used this way

since 700 BC. Early dentists relied on gold wiring to secure

replacement teeth.

*Use in Computers

Laptops, desktop computers and other electronic gadgets all have

gold components. These devices require precise and quick

information transmission. Computers need a good conductor, and

no other metal does it as well as gold. The plug and socket

connectors and edge connectors on computers have electroplated

gold. Nickel and other metals are alloyed for increased strength.

*Usage in Electronics

Because gold is such an efficient conductor, it is widely used in

electronics. Solid state electronics are susceptible to tarnish and

corrosion. Gold can transmit the currents without risk of corrosion.

 The metal is used in electronic parts because of its reliability. The

metal can be found in connection strips, connecting wires, soldered

joints and relay contacts among other parts. Traces of gold can be

found in global positioning system units, personal digital assistants

calculators and cell phones. TVs also rely on gold. Few if any

electronics are devoid of gold.

*Use in Finance

The metal has also been utilized as a form of money or exchange.

Evidence shows the metal was used in financial dealings over 5000

years ago. Ancient civilizations used gold pieces or coins for

business. The appeal of gold is its desirability and rarity. Gold bars

or bullion have often been used as currency backing. Bars were

employed because it is convenient. This practice continues today.

Many countries have gold bullion reserves. Gold is also traded in

the commodities market. There are many uses of gold and it is

bound to increase over time. Societys dependence on electronics

and computers means their usage will continue to grow.

Limited supply and lack of substitutes makes them even more

valuable.