Core Resources has successfully delivered an advanced metallurgical pilot plant to AK Altynalmas, the largest gold producer in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership. The project, which has spanned over the past year, involved extensive metallurgical test work, process and engineering design conducted in Australia, and equipment procurement and fabrication from both Australia and China. The plant was designed specifically to treat Altynalmas’ multiple refractory gold and polymetallic orebodies, incorporating advanced technologies such as flotation concentrate regrinding, Albion Process reactors, and a comprehensive suite of hydrometallurgical processes.
The pilot plant includes two trains of six x 60L Albion Process reactors and two trains of three x 30L Albion Process reactors, capable of operating under both neutral and acidic conditions. It also features iron neutralisation, copper and zinc precipitation, a carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit, gold elution, and Merrill-Crowe processing, along with copper and zinc solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW). Additionally, a SART pilot plant has been integrated to efficiently remove copper from high-copper CIL solutions.
Bakhrom Dzhalolov, Chief Technical Officer at AK Altynalmas, highlighted that the successful commissioning of this pilot plant is a crucial step towards establishing a Scientific Centre for the Integrated Recovery of Mineral Resources in Akbakai. This initiative aims to create a world-class research and innovation platform for developing and optimising process technologies for refractory gold-bearing and polymetallic ores. Dzhalolov noted that the Akbakai Scientific Centre is poised to become a leading hub for metallurgical innovation in Central Asia, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and economically viable solutions for processing complex mineral resources.
The pilot complex not only accelerates technology development but also reduces project risks, enabling more informed investment decisions based on data generated under conditions that closely mimic industrial operations. Core Resources’ technical team, including experts Rod Ventura, Miron Maxemniuc, Adrian Platt, and Tarun Grover, played a vital role in the successful implementation of the project, demonstrating professionalism and dedication throughout.
Looking ahead, AK Altynalmas is eager to continue its collaboration with Core Resources, aiming to transform Akbakai into a globally recognised centre of excellence in mineral processing and metallurgical innovation. This partnership exemplifies the strong ties between Australia and Kazakhstan in advancing the mining sector and enhancing the efficiency of mineral resource recovery.
