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Authigenic gold formation in the cyanidation tailings of gold–arsenopyrite–quartz ore of Komsomolsk deposit (Kuznetski Alatau, Russia)

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Abstract

In this study, we assess the link between morphologies and composition of gold grains and supergene processes of Au migration and redeposition by aqueous solutions in the aggressive environment of cyanidation tailings. High concentrations of both dissolved (10 μg/L) and solid (0.97 ppm) native gold in the upper horizons of the Komsomolsk tailings profile formed as the result of the long-term oxidation of the cyanidation waste. These horizons stand out due to contrasting changes in pH, Eh and the concentration of the elements in solutions (from 0.8 × 10−4 to 72 g/L iron, from 1.5 × 10−5 to 30 g/L arsenic and from 0 to 37 g/L aluminum). One of the main findings of this study is that the Au and Ag contained in tailings as impurities in the residual sulfide minerals are almost completely redeposited in the top few centimeters of the cross-section. Gold dissolves into pore solution in thiosulfate complexes in the reducing environment of the lower part of tailings and mainly in hydroxide complexes in the acidic environment of the upper horizons. Native gold is found only in the upper few centimeters and presents as irregular grains and crystals of an Au–Ag alloy and as microcrystalline and flat growths of pure Au. The surface morphologies of gold grains are the result of its supergene dissolution, redeposition and crystallization in tailings.

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Acknowledgments

The reported study was funded by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (research projects Nos. 14-05-31005 mol_a; 14-05-00293). Authors thank employees IGM SB RAS and IPGG SB RAS: A. Ya. Shevko, V. V. Olenchenko, E. P. Shevko, N. A. Abrosimova, D. O. Kucher for participation in field work in 2014 and analysts N. V. Androsova, N. F. Nechepurenko, Yu. P. Kolmogorov, O. S. Hmelnikova, and N. G. Karmanova for analytical works.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Forecast-Metallogenic Studies, Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Koptyug ave., Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090

    Maksim V. Kirillov

  2. Laboratory of Geoelectrochemistry, Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum-Gas Geology and Geophysics Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Koptyug ave., Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090

    Svetlana B. Bortnikova

  3. Laboratory of Ore-Magmatic Systems and Metallogeny, Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Koptyug ave., Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090

    Olga L. Gaskova

  4. Novosibirsk State University, 2, Pirogova str., Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090

    Olga L. Gaskova

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  1. Maksim V. Kirillov
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  2. Svetlana B. Bortnikova
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  3. Olga L. Gaskova
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Correspondence to Maksim V. Kirillov.

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Conflict of interest

Kirillov M. V. has received research grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Research Project No. 14-05-31005 mol_a), and Bortnikova S. B. has received research grants from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Research Project No. 14-05-00293).

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Kirillov, M.V., Bortnikova, S.B. & Gaskova, O.L. Authigenic gold formation in the cyanidation tailings of gold–arsenopyrite–quartz ore of Komsomolsk deposit (Kuznetski Alatau, Russia). Environ Earth Sci 75, 1050 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5852-6

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