Use the table of contents below to navigate through the guide:
01Leaching Definition
Leaching is a commonly used method for extracting gold from gold mines. Its
working principle is to use solvents to contact ore and extract gold from the
original ore through physical and chemical processes such as dissolution and
diffusion.
VAT leaching and heap leaching are all commonly used methods for gold
extraction from gold mines. This article introduces the core differences between
the two and compares their costs and application scenarios.

02VAT Leaching
1. VAT leaching process flow
First, the raw ore is crushed and ground to a particle size of several
millimeters to several centimeters. The ground ore is placed in a leaching
tank.
Then, a leaching agent is added to the leaching tank, and the appropriate
leaching agent and dosage are selected according to the properties of the ore.
The ore and the leaching agent are fully contacted by mechanical stirring or air
stirring to promote chemical reaction.
Next, the temperature and pressure in the barrel are adjusted as needed to
optimize the leaching conditions.
Finally, when the leaching reaction is completed, the gold-containing
solution is collected and filtered to separate the undissolved residue.

2. VAT leaching advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: Higher leaching efficiency and higher gold recovery. Faster
leaching time, less time required to process the ore. Also, since the operation
is carried out in a barrel, it is easier to control temperature and
pressure.
Disadvantages: Since VAT leaching requires investment in barrels and
infrastructure, the investment cost is higher and it is not suitable for
large-scale production.
3. VAT leaching application
It is suitable for medium-scale gold extraction operations and has more
advantages when processing medium-grade gold ores.
03Heap Leaching

1. Heap Leaching process flow
First, the low-grade gold ore is crushed to a certain particle size
(30-50mm). The fine-grained ore powder after crushing can be agglomerated to
improve permeability and increase the leaching rate.
Then, the crushed ore is piled on a leak-proof liner (HDPE) paved with
materials such as asphalt, concrete or plastic.
Next, a solution such as low-concentration cyanide, alkaline solution,
non-toxic solvent or dilute sulfuric acid is sprayed on the ore pile to dissolve
the gold.
Finally, the gold-containing solution is filtered out from the ore pile and
the gold is recovered by methods such as activated carbon adsorption or zinc
powder replacement precipitation.
2. Heap Leaching advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: Low requirements on terrain conditions, can be adapted to local
conditions. Suitable for large-scale production, can process a large amount of
gold ore at the same time. Suitable for processing low-grade gold ore. Low
investment.
Disadvantages: Long leaching time (3-18 months), slow capital return. Easily
affected by climate, heavy rain will dilute the leaching solution, and low
temperature will reduce the cyanidation reaction rate.
3. Heap Leaching application
It is often used to develop gold deposits with small ore bodies or low grade,
or both, which cannot be developed and utilized by conventional methods.

04Which Leaching Method Should You Choose?
Factor | VAT Leaching | Heap Leaching |
---|
Cost | Medium | Low |
Processing Time | Weeks | Months |
Ore Type | Medium-grade | Low-grade |
Best For | Small operations | Large-scale mines |
Choose VAT: if the ore has poor permeability and the budget
is limited.
Choose Heap: if you are processing low-grade ore and need
low cost.
The above introduces the process flow, advantages and disadvantages and
application scenarios of the two leaching methods, VAT leaching and heap
leaching. Xinhai Mining can provide customers with EPCM+O services such as gold
mine leaching process design, equipment installation, and beneficiation plant
operation. As a mining company with 28 years of experience in the field of gold
ore beneficiation, Xinhai has served mines in more than 100 countries and
regions, with hundreds of gold mine project cases. If you have any needs in gold
ore beneficiation, please contact us.