Recovery Of Sulphide Concentrate From Tailings At The Phoenix Mine

ELKO, NV - Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) reported that as part of a broader strategy to recover value from legacy tailings while improving environmental outcomes, The Company is recovering sulphide concentrate from the copper and gold tailings at the Phoenix mine in Nevada, providing a valuable energy input for the roasters and autoclaves at NGM’s Carlin and Turquoise Ridge operations.

By removing sulphide from the tailings, the initiative reduces acid-generating water potential and enhances the long-term environmental profile of the Phoenix site when it comes to designing its closure—aligning with Barrick’s commitment to responsible mine closure and sustainable development.

General Manager of Phoenix mine, Robert Tucker, said, “Although Phoenix is still producing both gold and copper the repurposed flotation circuit and new filtration plant is designed to scavenge sulphide, along with residual gold concentrations from the final process tailings. At the same time, the sulphide concentrate being produced onsite helps reduce the need for imported sulphur prill—a key “fuel” component in the roasting process which leads to more efficient roaster performance.

Similarly in the pressure oxidation process, it also lowers the need for boilers to produce steam (to heat slurry) in the autoclaves. This cuts both energy use and processing costs, delivering operational efficiencies across the network.”

John Steele, Metallurgy, Engineering, Capital Projects Executive, said, By producing sulphide concentrate on site, Barrick is avoiding the need to haul in sulphur from external sources, further reducing the project’s carbon footprint and associated logistics costs.

We are currently producing approximately 400 tonnes of sulphide concentrate daily from Phoenix, with a target of reaching 1,000 tonnes per day by year-end. The program complements similar recovery efforts at Golden Sunlight in Montana—a closed site—highlighting Barrick’s strategy to maximize value from its closed operations by turning legacy materials into productive inputs.”