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GOLD/SILVER HEAP LEACHING AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT MINIMIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR CYANIDE RELEASES
Citation:
Hoye, R. GOLD/SILVER HEAP LEACHING AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT MINIMIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR CYANIDE RELEASES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-88/002.
Description:
The report presents a description of the magnitude and distribution of gold/silver heap leaching, the design and operation of leaching facilities, the potential for environmental impact, and management practices that may be used to minimize potential environmental releases. Currently, there are about 78 active heap leach operations in the United States. The majority of these sites are located in Nevada. Heap leaching is percolation leaching of low-grade gold and silver ores that have been stacked in engineered heaps on specially constructed pads. An alkaline cyanide solution is the only lixiviant used. No damage cases were identified that indicated impact from properly constructed or operated facilities.