Modelling and optimization of cyanidation process. A chemometric approach by regression analysis Original Research Article

A process of direct leaching of gold and silver from a sulfide concentrate by cyanidation at ambient temperature was analyzed by simulation and optimization, using a chemometrical approach based on non-linear regression. A set of models, describing the influence of the various relevant parameters on the dissolution process, including the initial concentration of sodium cyanide, the oxygen partial pressure and the leaching time as the controllable variables in the process, were obtained based on the kinetic study and mathematical proof of the statistical procedure. The parameters in the set of models were estimated from the experimental data. Finally, the model was used to determine the optimum conditions for the leaching of gold and silver by direct cyanidation.