Abstract :
Muhamad Syarifuddin1,a *, Noor Fazliani2,b and Abdul Hafidz3,c
1Gold, Rare Earth and Material Technopreneurship Centre (GREAT), Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Jeli Campus, 17600, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
aj23d009f@siswa.umk.edu.my, bfazliani.s@umk.edu.my, chafidz.y@umk.edu.my
Abstract. Gold recovery from cyanide leach solutions is a critical step in the cyanidation process, commonly employed in the mining industry for extracting gold from low-grade ores. While activated carbon has traditionally been the preferred adsorbent due to its cost-effectiveness and high adsorption efficiency, its limitations, including reduced selectivity, fouling, and regeneration challenges, have spurred interest in alternatives such as ion-exchange resins. These resins offer high selectivity, stability under variable conditions, and ease of regeneration, presenting a promising solution for improving gold recovery processes. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of ion-exchange resins and activated carbons in batch systems, focusing on their adsorption kinetics and isothermal adsorption behaviors. Kinetic models, including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion and liquid film diffusion were applied to analyze the adsorption rates, while equilibrium models, such as Langmuir, Freundlich Langmuir- Freundlich, Hills, Temkin were used to determine maximum adsorption capacities and equilibrium characteristics. The impact of initial gold ion concentration on adsorption performance was also assessed to identify optimal conditions for recovery. Findings from this study demonstrate the relative strengths and limitations of each material, providing valuable insights into their adsorption mechanisms, efficiency, and applicability under controlled conditions. The results offer practical recommendations for selecting the most efficient and sustainable adsorbent for gold recovery in industrial applications, contributing to the optimization of mining practices and promoting resource sustainability.
Keywords: Gold, Adsorption, Activated Carbon, Resin, Kinetic, Isothermal |
