Two gold heap leach operations in Zimbabwe

Synopsis

Anglo American Corporation has commissioned two gold projects in Zimbabwe since Independence, both utilising heap leach technology. This technique has enabled these relatively low grade, low tonnage properties to be economically developed; something which may not have otherwise been possible by more capital intensive routes.

Two variations on heap leach technology are employed:

• i) Isabella is a run-of-mine leach situated in the dry western part of Zimbabwe.

• ii) Hopefield Gold relies on the agglomerated heap leaching of old mine tailings. In this case, the tailings are on an environmentally sensitive site, therefore careful consideration had to be given to process selection.