Gold Characterization by MLA and Technological Tests-Discussion of Sample Preparation and Results

Gold has been present throughout the history of mankind and used to make jewelry and coins, and recently, acquired several industrial uses. The price of gold in international market had a significant increasing, surpassing 100% in the last five years. Thereby, deposits with low levels of gold content, gold with complex associations or in a very fine particle size became exploitable again, allowing new projects and expansion of existing ones. However, for maximum process efficiency is indispensable a deep knowledge of the characteristics of these minerals and their behavior in face of beneficiation processes. Consequently, an accurate routine for mineralogical and technological characterization is essential.