SRK was commissioned by Altynalmas to report a Mineral Resource Estimate for the Karyernoye-Pribalkashkaya (KP) deposit in accordance with JORC Code (2012). In the past, only GKZ style estimates had been produced and there was some very limited underground mining undertaken. The historical mining was confined to the uppermost levels and focussed on some higher grade geological structures. The work by SRK was focussed on targets that could be extracted by modern high capacity open pit mining methods.
Testwork and analysis has determined that the KP deposit is refractory or semi-refractory in terms of process recovery of the contained gold, therefore a blend of the available ore types will be required for optimal recovery of gold from the run of mine material. Possible process routes include a BIOX circuit using bacteria to unlock the gold or the use of Albion fine grinding technology.
Based on the SRK block model, a geometallurgical model is currently being developed which will consider not only gold but also process recovery as key parameters. These data will subsequently feed into the mine planning and production forecasting. This approach will facilitate blending of plant feed to maintain an optimal balance of ore type into the primary crusher. A balanced and predictable feed allows the plant operators to optimise comminution and reagents for enhanced gold recovery.
As part of this assignment, SRK provided on-the job training to the Client’s staff to facilitate capacity building, enabling the Client team to update the geological and resource models in the future. In addition, SRK assisted in the development of detailed procedures for geological and geotechnical logging, sampling, QAQC, and laboratory protocols.
