Question

Which leaching agent is used for the slow decomposition of refractory gold ores?

• A. Nickel
• B. Sulphur
• C. Cyanide
• D. Molybdenum

Hint:

Cyanide is commonly used in gold mining due to its ability to form complexes with gold, allowing for its extraction from refractory ores.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Cyanide is the leaching agent commonly used for extracting gold from refractory ores. In this process, gold is dissolved by the cyanide solution, allowing the gold to be separated from the other materials present in the ore.

(1) Why Cyanide Works:
- Cyanide (Option 3) forms a complex with gold, enabling its dissolution and separation from the ore. This process is commonly known as cyanidation, which is widely used in gold mining, especially for refractory ores.

(2) Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Nickel (Option 1) and molybdenum (Option 4) are not used for the decomposition of gold ores. While they are metals used in other industrial processes, they are not involved in gold extraction.
- Sulphur (Option 2) is not commonly used in gold extraction through leaching. It may play a role in some mining processes, but it is not a leaching agent for gold.

Conclusion: The leaching agent used for the slow decomposition of refractory gold ores is cyanide, making it a key component of gold extraction processes in the mining industry.