Core Process Engineering is pleased to announce the successful commissioning of the Albion Process™ technology at GeoProMining’s (GPM) Ararat Processing Plant in Armenia. This milestone follows an extensive period of metallurgical testing, feasibility studies, and construction, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of refractory gold ores.
Background
GPM owns and operates the Zod Gold Mine and the Ararat Processing Plant in Armenia. Historically, the Ararat facility faced challenges in processing refractory sulphide ores, achieving gold recoveries as low as 20%. To address this, GPM collaborated with Glencore Technology and Core Resources to implement the Albion Process™, aiming to enhance gold recovery rates.
Albion Process™ Implementation
The Albion Process™ is an atmospheric oxidative leaching technology designed to treat refractory ores. It combines ultrafine grinding with oxidative leaching, enabling the efficient extraction of precious metals from sulphide concentrates. Core Resources, as a certified testing facility and licensing agent for the Albion Process™, played a pivotal role in conducting metallurgical test work and supporting the process design for GPM’s project.
Commissioning and Results
Commissioned in June 2014, the Albion Process™ plant at the Ararat facility reached full operational capacity within three months. The implementation of this technology led to a remarkable increase in gold recovery rates, soaring from 20% to over 98%. This achievement not only surpassed initial expectations but also positioned GPM as a leader in the application of innovative processing technologies in the region.
Ongoing Collaboration
Building on the success of the Albion Process™ implementation, GPM and Glencore Technology have entered into a collaboration to promote this proven technology within the Russian refractory gold market. This partnership combines GPM’s operational expertise with Glencore Technology’s proficiency in processing solutions, aiming to address the challenges associated with refractory gold ores on a broader scale.
Core Resources remains committed to supporting such initiatives by providing metallurgical testing services, process engineering, and technology solutions to clients worldwide. Our involvement in the GPM project underscores our dedication to delivering innovative and effective process technologies, such as the Albion Process™, to enhance metal recovery and project viability.
For more information on the Albion Process™ and our services, please contact us.
