HEAP LEACH – SX-EW_proof 26/10/2016 10:00 Page 3
HEAP LEACH – SX/EW
GoldSim™ software
Success can depend on commissioning and
ramp-up. Taylor warns against changing “the
mine-plan unless supported by test work. If you
lower the ore grade, you can’t expect to make the
same SX feed copper level. Failure to carry out
additional tests will seriously jeopardise plant
production and project economics.”
Do not skimp on pre-production mining. You
may need additional ore in a hurry if problems
occur during commissioning and early operation.
He also stresses that people must be available
“to monitor the leaching performance during
commissioning, no matter what. Leaching is your
future; so don’t let initial downstream,
equipment or infrastructure problems divert your
attention. Hire extra people for commissioning if
needed – it will be money well spent.
“Recalibrate the leaching model with actual
data on an ong