In recognition of our strong technical bench strength, the second annual Kinross Technical Excellence and Innovation award has been given to Thiago Tolentio, Getuilo Gomes, Alair Jesus, and Pedro Fenelon, all Process Engineers from Paracatu.
The group wrote a detailed research paper about their work studying the feasibility of reprocessing the gold carbon-in-leach (CIL) tailings from the tailings storage facility at Paracatu to extract more ounces. What is now known as the Santo Antonio tailings reprocessing project began production Q4 2015 and is the first of its kind at Kinross. In Q3 2016, the project added approximately 20,000 Au eq. oz. of production at Paracatu.
Tailings reprocessing can be technically challenging. To achieve desired results, detailed CIL tests were done by adding air to the tailings, followed by a 24-hour leaching process in order to establish effective gold recovery. The team then examined the lime, pH modifiers and different cyanide concentrations at the beginning of the leaching process. They focused on finding efficiencies and avoiding the potential degradation of carbon during the gold extraction.
The procedures were tested in two laboratories, one internal and one external lab, to verify the results.
“We are all incredibly proud of Thiago, Getulio, Pedro and Alair. As a Company, we value innovation and the group has found a solution that will benefit our operation,” said Gilberto Azevedo, Vice-President and General Manager, Paracatu.
The team was given the award in Paracatu with Lauren Roberts, Senior Vice-President, Operations, Gina Jardine, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources and Bob Musgrove, Regional Vice-President, South America in attendance.
Getuilo Gomes, Pedro Fenelon and Alair Jesus with their awards (Thiago Tolentino not pictured)
The winners with Charlie Wells, Operations Director, Paracatu (centre) and Gilberto Azevedo, Vice-President and General Manager, Paracatu (second from the right)
