Evaluación de alternativas tecnológicas para la gestión de residuales cianurados en una planta de procesamiento de minerales auríferos

Resumen

In this work, the wastewater from a gold ores processing plant was characterized, finding at present high contents of cyanides and heavy metals (As, Fe, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni). These wastewaters are temporarily stored at containment pools, close to reaching their maximum capacity limits. Two technological alternatives for its safe management were evaluated: alkaline chlorination and advanced oxidation method using ozone gas. The main advantages and disadvantages of both technological proposals are highlighted. On the other hand, considering the material and energy balances was made an estimate of the investment and treatment costs for both alternatives. The dynamic indicators of cost were calculated, confirming the technical, economic and environmental viability of ozone oxidation in the wastewater treatment, and the feasibility of its implementation, allowing the initial investment to be recovered in one year.