How Does Particle Size Affect Gold Recovery in Heap Leaching?
Dasen Mining Machinery is currently discussing a new gold processing plant project with a client in Australia.
The customer’s gold ore is classified as oxide ore, and laboratory testing has produced very promising results regarding gold liberation and recovery efficiency.
Gold Ore Testing and Liberation Results
Through comprehensive test work, the client identified that effective gold liberation was achieved without fine grinding.
The most favorable size fraction for processing was –25 mm to +12.5 mm, in which gold recovery reached up to 90.4% through cyanidation.
This excellent recovery at coarse particle size suggests that heap leaching is a highly appropriate treatment method for this ore type.
Why Heap Leaching Is the Optimal Solution
Based on the test results and site requirements, heap leaching provides several key advantages for this project:
- No Need for Fine Grinding
The natural liberation size (–25 mm to +12.5 mm) fits perfectly within the heap‑leaching particle size range.
This minimizes crushing energy and operational costs.
- Environmental and Land Protection Requirements
The client requested that the plant construction avoid disturbance to native land.
Heap leaching meets this demand perfectly: the heap is built above ground, using geomembrane liners for a watertight foundation to protect soil and groundwater.
- Economical and Scalable Process
Heap leaching requires lower capital investment and allows modular expansion as production increases.
About Dasen’s Heap Leaching Technology
Dasen Mining has extensive experience in heap leaching project design, construction, and operation.
We have successfully completed multiple heap leaching plants for gold and silver ores in Asia, Africa, and South America, each tailored to unique local geology and climatic conditions.
Our technical team provides:
Site evaluation and ore characterization
Heap leach pad design and geomembrane installation
Solution distribution and recovery system design
Process control, plant automation, and training
Complete EPC/turn‑key support from testing to operation
We are fully equipped to customize process parameters to optimize recovery and ensure long‑term operational reliability.
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