Exploration and reevaluation of a tailing storage facility from a high-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit

Reevaluating tailings material originating from a high-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit has unveiled the potential for a holistic remining endeavour. The primary objective of this operation would be the mitigation of minerals containing penalty elements, specifically sulphur in pyrrhotite, a major contributor to acid mine water drainage, alongside the concentration of precious elements like gold. Furthermore, exploring the applicability of the silicate fraction for industries such as ceramics, glass, and geopolymer production has been considered.

To accomplish these objectives, an initial drill core campaign featuring six drill holes was executed, accompanied by a thorough material characterization using automated mineralogy, geochemical assays, and hyperspectral analysis. The subsequent step involved a geometallurgical domaining process based on 64 geochemical assays, particle size measurements, and mineralogy assessments. A Mahalanobis distance hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to differentiate domains, and predictions for these domains were extended to all hyperspectral imaging samples.

The outcome of this comprehensive approach revealed the delineation of four distinct domains, each characterized by variations in modal mineralogy and trace elemental contents. This strategic analysis provides valuable insights into the heterogeneity of the tailings material, laying the groundwork for targeted interventions to address environmental concerns and maximize the extraction of valuable resources.