Metso BIOX Process Improves Gold Recovery at Philippines Mine

Metso Oyj's BIOX process is being utilized at the Runruno gold mine in the Philippines to improve gold recovery rates while lowering operational costs and environmental impact. The technology is specifically designed to treat refractory gold concentrates that are found within sulfide minerals, making them difficult to leach. FCF Minerals Corporation, the operator of the Runruno mine, selected the BIOX technology due to its low capital expenditure, reliable performance, and energy efficiency. Metso highlights that the process can be customized for various feedstock characteristics and is particularly suitable for remote locations, reducing the need for costly and potentially harmful chemicals. The Runruno mine, located approximately 200 miles north of Manila, is an open-cut operation that employs the BIOX process for pre-treatment before a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) process for gold recovery. Construction began in 2011, with commercial production commencing in November 2016. The BIOX circuit is designed to treat 140,000 tonnes of concentrate per year. With 30 years of commercial operation, the BIOX process has undergone continuous development. The Runruno facility incorporates the third-generation BIOX design principles, focusing on enhanced process robustness and ease of operation. Metso states that the BIOX process offers a sustainable solution that reduces sulfur dioxide emissions and maximizes gold recovery.