Oxidation mechanism of pyrite in a thiosulfate solution: electrochemical impedance (EIS) and in situ Raman spectroscopy

Ammoniacal thiosulfate has been used lately as an alternative lixiviant for leaching gold from sulfides ores which are not amenable for cyanidation. However, the oxidation of the sulfide minerals generates products that inhibit the dissolution of gold and can promote the degradation of the leaching solution. The complexity of the ammoniacal thiosulfate leaching system has prevented the unification and clarification of the mechanisms of oxidation of sulfide ores used for gold extraction.