You are hereValley Gold Leach Method.
Valley Gold Leach Method.
The valley leach method involves the preparation and placement of ore behind a retaining structure. Leaching of the ore is performed with subsequent li fts progressing up slope. The majority of ore remains in contact with leach solution during evaporation. At completion of leaching, the ore is left in place and reclaimed similar to a waste rock dump. See figure 1.6. The aspects of the valley leach method are listed below:
- Needs durable ores;
- Can be used in steep terrain;
- Requires reduced storage capacity;
- Needs high integrity liner due to hydraulic head;
- Needs to produce stable heap similar to waste rock dump;
- Needs retaining structure;
- Can operate in large range of climates;
- Can accommodate extended leach time up to several years.
