| Title: |
Influence of mineralogical variability on the efficiency of gravimetric gold concentration: a comparative study in the ASM sectors of Ocoña and Chala, Arequipa, Peru. |
| Alternate Title: |
Influencia de la variabilidad mineralógica en la eficiencia de la concentración gravimétrica de oro: un estudio comparativo en los sectores de MAPE de Ocoña y Chala, Arequipa, Perú. (Spanish) |
| Authors: |
Villanueva-Zela, Xiomara Nicole; Pacheco-Anco, Anderson; Colque-Riega, Segundo Percy |
| Source: |
Boletín de Ciencias de la Tierra; ene-jun2026, Issue 59, p106-115, 10p |
| Subject Terms: |
Mineralogy; Gold mining; Mineralogical chemistry; Mining districts |
| Geographic Terms: |
Peru |
| Abstract (English): |
This study compared mineralogical characterization and gravimetric concentration efficiency in ores from Ocoña and Chala (Arequipa) to identify recovery-controlling factors. Representative sampling, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement, and Falcon concentrator tests (P80 < 74 µm) were applied. Results showed that Ocoña achieved significantly higher average gold recovery (86.50% ± 7.92) compared to Chala (81.80% ± 4.81) (p=0.021). This difference is explained by Ocoña's higher free gold content (>90%) and coarser particle size (D50: 125-260 µm), whereas Chala exhibited higher arsenopyrite (up to 8.5%) and finer gold (D50: 32-45 µm) associated with sulfides. Findings highlight deposit heterogeneity in ASM and the need for site-specific processing strategies, based on comprehensive mineralogical analysis, to optimize recovery and foster sustainable mining practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Abstract (Spanish): |
Este estudio comparó la caracterización mineralógica y la eficiencia de la concentración gravimétrica en menas de Ocoña y Chala (Arequipa) para identificar factores que controlan la recuperación. Se aplicaron muestreo representativo, microscopía óptica, difracción de rayos X (DRX) con refinamiento de Rietveld y pruebas con concentrador Falcon (P80 < 74 µm). Los resultados muestran que Ocoña alcanzó una recuperación promedio de oro significativamente mayor (86,50% ± 7,92) frente a Chala (81,80% ± 4,81) (p=0,021). Esta diferencia se explica por el mayor contenido de oro libre (>90%) y partículas más gruesas (D50: 125-260 µm) en Ocoña, mientras que Chala presentó mayor arsenopirita (hasta 8,5%) y oro más fino (D50: 32-45 µm) asociado a sulfuros. Los hallazgos evidencian la heterogeneidad de los yacimientos y la necesidad de estrategias de procesamiento específicas para optimizar la recuperación y promover prácticas mineras sostenibles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |