Por: Fabio Loyola Moreno, Newmont Yanacocha.

Trabajo con Mención Honrosa en el Foro TIS de PERUMIN 37. 

Abstract

This work describes the implementation process of a new method called Injection Leaching (IL) through a pilot test, where a significant increase in gold recovery was achieved in previously depleted leach pads. The work details the successful implementation, beginning with a comprehensive geophysical study that employed advanced and innovative techniques such as geodetection and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These methods enabled the characterization of solution distribution within the leach pad, as well as the monitoring of its movement toward the base of the pad. 

The behavior of the cyanide solution was evaluated throughout the pressurized injection process, with the objective of establishing geotechnical controls that ensure safe and efficient Injection Leaching operations.

Pilot test results demonstrated that it is possible to rapidly reduce pad inventory and obtain additional gold recovery from depleted pads, which resulted in an increase of 350,000 ounces of gold production. Consequently, the mine’s production cycle has been extended while ensuring responsible gold extraction prior to full pad closure.