Simulation-Based Analysis of Hydrometallurgical Processes. Case Study: Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ecuador

In this work, two hydrometallurgical processes for gold recovery are explored a small-scale mining case study located at Ponce Enriquez, Azuay, Ecuador. The systems consider the use of sodium cyanide and thiosulfate as leaching agents, with without incorporation subsystem residual mercury removal. proposed modelled using commercial simulator PRO/II interconnected Python scientific computing environment performing stochastic simulations. Monte Carlo simulations, in which conversion main units prices vary following random uniform distribution, permit observing effects these uncertainties on key economic indicators. results facilitate correlation between inputs outputs interest well visualization variability an adequate assessment under by technical social responsibility approach.