On the Formation of Deposits during Autoclave Oxidative Leaching of Concentrates of Refractory Sulfide Gold Ores

Abstract—The processes occurring during autoclave oxidation leaching of refractory sulfide gold ore concentrates are discussed. As a result of them, hard-to-remove deposits (crust), which decrease the productivity of the equipment, form on all internal surfaces of autoclaves. The phase composition of the deposits is shown to change from section to section in an autoclave, and the main component of the deposits is found to be potassium jarosite KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6. The mechanism of formation of deposits is analyzed and possible methods to prevent them are discussed.