IM 2016 November 2016 | Page 20

HEAP LEACH – SX-EW_proof 27/10/2016 11:17 Page 1 HEAP LEACH – SX/EW Percolating liquids Stacking rather than truck dumping, the importance of modelling, subsurface leaching: John Chadwick considers these and much more, including some innovative new ideas in leaching eap leaching may appear to be simple but it is in fact a very complex process. “A plethora of technologies such as material handling, environmental control, analytical techniques, solution chemistry, hydrology and many others contribute to the design and operation of a heap leach. Heap leaching requires an inter-disciplinary approach between geologists, mining engineers and metallurgists2. “Many oper