thiosulfaatleaching
Thiosulfate leaching is a hydrometallurgical process that dissolves gold and some other metals from ores and concentrates using thiosulfate ions as complexing agents. The most common leachants are sodium thiosulfate or ammonium thiosulfate, typically used under mildly alkaline conditions (pH around 9–10). The method is pursued as an alternative to cyanide in settings where cyanide use is restricted or where ores are difficult to dissolve with cyanide alone.
Chemistry and mechanism: Gold dissolves in thiosulfate solutions to form soluble gold–thiosulfate complexes, principally [Au(S2O3)2]3−. Silver
Process forms and applications: Thiosulfate leaching can be carried out in tank leaching or heap leaching configurations
Advantages and limitations: The approach offers a less toxic alternative to cyanide and can be more selective