The Application of Cathodic Protection to Cyanidation Processing Tanks in Gold Mining

Abstract

Tank failures in gold mining arise from poor corrosion management, resulting in safety, environmental, production and reputational damage. Research revealed corrosion rates up to 12 mm/year in cyanidation tanks, primarily due to protective coating failures. This study tested Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) as a means to reduce corrosion losses, proving protection is feasible without adverse effects, such as gold loss. Laboratory and site experiments demonstrated ICCP’s effectiveness, providing new corrosion mitigation data for industry application.