Abstract

In most gold recovery processes; the pH is controlled by regulating the flow of calcium hydroxide into the processes. In this study, the quality of hydrated lime (Ca (OH)2) was investigated by determining how it is affected by the slaking process and hydration parameters, like the lime-to-water ratio, the slaking temperature and the agitation rate. The investigation was conducted by preparing samples and determining the available lime, the reactivity of lime with Rand Water and process water, lime addition test and rate of increasing alkalinity and, lastly, by investigating flocculants in the respective samples using an experimental design. It was concluded that a proper slaking process will result in an increase in particle surface area and create uniform particle distribution, resulting in higher reactivity. As the pH of the system ranges from 0 to 14, the choice of flocculants ranges from non-ionic to highly anionic.