PRESSURE-OXIDATION AUTOCLAVE AS AN ANALOGUE FOR ACID–SULPHATE ALTERATION IN EPITHERMAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

Gold extraction at the Macraes gold mine in New Zealand involves concentration of pyrite and arsenopyrite, oxidation of those sulphides, then cyanidation. The ore concentrate is predominantly Otago Schist host rock (andesitic composition) with up to 15% sulphides. The oxidation step is conducted on ore concentrate slurry in an autoclave at 225°C and 3,800 kPa oxygen gas pressure with continuous feed. The slurry takes ca. 1 h to pass through the autoclave, during which time the sulphides are almost completely oxidised. Sulphide oxidation causes strong acidification of the slurry, which is maintained at pH of 1–2 by addition of CaCO3. Scales form on walls in the autoclave, with minerals reflecting progressive oxidation and alteration of the ore through the system. The schist in the ore feed has mineralogy similar to propylitically altered andesite: quartz, albite, muscovite, chlorite, and pyrite. Muscovite undergoes almost complete dissolution, with associated precipitation of quartz and alunite (KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6). Other principal minerals deposited and discharged include anhydrite (and/or gypsum), jarosite (KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6), hematite (and/or amorphous iron oxyhydroxide), and amorphous arsenates. Dissolved ferrous iron passes right through the autoclave, and variably hydrated Fe2+and Fe3+sulphate minerals, including rozenite and szomolnokite (both FeSO4.hydrate) and ferricopiapite (Fe5(SO4)6O(OH).hydrate), are formed along the way. The autoclave chemical system resembles acid–sulphate hydrothermal activity in geothermal systems and high-sulphidation epithermal mineral deposits formed in arc environments. These natural acid–sulphate systems are pervaded by volcanic vapours in the near-surface environment, where widespread dissolution of host rocks occurs and deposition of quartz, alunite, and anhydrite is common. Some of the volume loss associated with these natural systems may be due to dissolution of soluble sulphate minerals by later-stage groundwater incursion.