Australian mineral processing equipment distributor Gekko Systems has commissioned the Cyanide Detox System at Rubicon Minerals’ Phoenix Gold Project in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada.
Rubicon Minerals project manager and mill superintendent Don Emms said: "Gekko’s experience gives us great confidence in the successful design and operation of this critical process, ensuring we continue a responsible and environmentally sustainable development."
The new Cyanide Detox System has been designed by Gekko Systems to address the needs of the Phoenix Gold Project.
According to Gekko, the system uses the SO2/ oxygen (INCO) process to destroy cyanide in the plant’s leach tails and has the capability to reduce to less than 1ppm weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide.
It comprises reagents such as liquid sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxygen.
Instead of conventional air compressors, oxygen is used to result in lower power consumption, better process flexibility, and minimising overall operating costs.
Gekko Detox team head Nick Katsikaros said: "The low power consumption and reduced operating cost is realised through the use of advanced VSA oxygen generation technology supplied by PCI Gases.
"The units’ low power consumption and maintenance costs, combined with high oxygen gas utilisation result in a projected payback period of less than six months compared to conventional air blowers."
The plant included the cyanide destruction tank, liquid SO2 handling, storage and dosing systems, oxygen generation.
A dosing system and full process control instrumentation were also included in the supplied plant.
Image: The Cyanide Detox System uses the SO2 / oxygen (INCO) process to destroy cyanide in the plant’s leach tails. Photo: courtesy of Gekko Systems.
