At the recent MetPlant and World Gold conferences, Glencore Technology, in collaboration with Dr Duncan Turner of Core Resources, presented a paper on the success of the Zod Albion Process Plant in Armenia.
The Albion Process, developed at Core’s laboratories, is an innovative technology designed for the treatment of refractory concentrates. It has been commercialised in five operations globally, demonstrating its effectiveness across various applications.
The Zod Albion Process Plant has achieved notable performance metrics, including gold recoveries of 98%, a significant increase from the previous 20% recovery using standard Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) methods. The plant’s performance has exceeded pilot plant results, maintaining robust gold recovery rates above 90% despite variations in feed tonnages and sulfur grades. Additionally, the process has proven resilient to seasonal temperature fluctuations, maintaining consistent reaction temperatures and gold recoveries throughout both winter and summer conditions in Armenia.
The simplicity and efficiency of the Albion Process have been highlighted by GPM’s operational experience. Operators have reported spending more time managing the flotation plant than the Albion Process plant, indicating the latter’s straightforward operation. Furthermore, the project was completed within the allocated time and budget, underscoring the process’s economic viability.
Core Resources played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Albion Process at the Zod plant. The technology was developed at Core’s laboratories and has since been commercialised in multiple operations worldwide. For the Zod project, Core managed the delivery of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) document and pilot plant programs, contributing to the successful deployment of this innovative technology.
The success of the Albion Process at GPM’s Zod plant demonstrates its potential as a transformative technology for the treatment of refractory gold ores. By enabling higher recovery rates and offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, the Albion Process presents a viable solution for mining operations facing challenges with refractory ores. Its application can lead to increased profitability and sustainability in gold extraction processes.
For more detailed information on the Albion Process and its applications, click here or contact us.
