Barrick Gold has agreed to roll out a global testing and implementation program for specialty chemicals company Draslovka’s proprietary glycine gold leaching product – GlyCat. The technology can potentially unlock substantive savings and generate value for Barrick’s operations while also improving its environmental footprint.
Starting at the Bulyanhulu gold mine in Tanzania and several other Barrick operations, largescale test work programs will be undertaken to quantify the operating cost savings from the reduction of cyanide usage, potential improvements in gold recovery, and lowering of cut-off grades, all of which will allow operations to treat ore types that may have previously been uneconomic.
GlyCat will enable a major shift for the mining industry’s sustainability profile by substantive replacement of cyanide used in processing of gold ores with a non-toxic, food-grade reagent that is recyclable. Depending on the type of ore, noted Draslovka officials, using GlyCat in existing leaching circuits allows for a 20-80% reduction in cyanide usage while reducing or entirely eliminating cyanide detoxification requirements. In select ores, the process also results in higher recoveries.
“This strategic partnership sets a new standard for best practice in the gold mining industry. I am excited to work together with Barrick, a global industry leader, on this exciting venture and am confident that others in the mining industry will follow suit to ensure a sustainable future,” said Draslovka CEO Pavel Bruzek Jr. Draslovka acquired Australia-based Mining & Process Solutions, which owned the glycine leaching technology IP, last year.