Keywords
technogenic waste
gold recovery
silver
mineralogical composition
granulometric analysis
How to Cite
Abstract
This study investigates the distribution, granulometric characteristics, and mineralogical composition of precious metals in technogenic waste generated by the Chodak gold beneficiation plant. Samples collected from different depth intervals were examined using chemical, granulometric, and mineralogical analytical methods. The results showed that gold concentrations ranged from 0.60 to 1.68 g/t, while silver concentrations varied from 4.35 to 28.89 g/t. The highest concentrations of both Au and Ag were identified in sample 4a. Granulometric analysis demonstrated that the waste is predominantly composed of fine particles, with the −0.071 mm fraction constituting the major proportion of the material. Mineralogical investigations identified pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, magnetite, hematite, and iron hydroxides. Gold occurs as finely dispersed particles and in association with sulfide minerals. The findings confirm the potential of Chodak tailings as a secondary source of precious metals and provide a basis for developing effective recovery technologies.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jurayev, U.B., Rakhmatov, E.A. (Author)