991
Remote Integration of Autoclave APC at Pueblo Viejo Mine
Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
John Kracy, Paola Massiel Rosario Del Orbe, Tasawar Javed
Pueblo Viejo Project, Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation
Daniel Gudgeon, and Arnold Dumont
Woodgrove Technologies Inc.
ABSTRACT: The Pueblo Viejo mine, jointly owned by Barrick and Newmont, is a prominent gold mining
property in the Dominican Republic, holding a gold reserve of 15 million ounces. It harbors a Cretaceous high
sulfidation deposit of gold, silver, copper, and zinc, characterized by minerals such as pyrite, minor sphalerite,
and enargite.
The mineral processing plant has a capacity of 26,000 tpd (9.5 Mtpa), involving crushing, grinding, thickening,
and pressure oxidation, followed by counter-current-decantation (CCD), lime boil, CIL, and cyanide destruc-
tion. Considering the “double refractory” nature of the Pueblo Viejo ore, pressure oxidation (POX) is required to
break down the refractory components and liberate the precious metals to be recovered in the CIL circuit. This
oxidation process, lasting approximately 60 minutes at about 225°C and 3,100 kPag, requires precise parameter
control to help maintain reaction kinetics, avoid autoclave upsets, and maximize metal recovery. Amidst the
challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Pueblo Viejo proactively partnered with Woodgrove
to optimize the performance of the POX plant through the implementation of the AwaRE ® Advanced Process
Control (APC) system. The unique challenge of this endeavor was executing this implementation remotely due
to global travel restrictions and geographical barriers.
This paper highlights the successful remote integration of the Pueblo Viejo Autoclave APC, exemplifying
exceptional teamwork, effective communication, and innovative solutions from both the Pueblo Viejo and
Woodgrove teams. Leveraging digital collaboration tools, seamless communication was ensured despite the
distance. The study delves into the technical aspects of the APC system integration, outlining control strategies
used to optimize autoclave operations. It underscores the benefits of leveraging remote technologies for APC
deployment, even under extraordinary circumstances, offering valuable insights for the mining industry seeking
efficient process control solutions.
Keywords: APC, Advanced Process Control, Autoclave, COVID, Remote Integration
Remote Integration of Autoclave APC at Pueblo Viejo Mine
Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
John Kracy, Paola Massiel Rosario Del Orbe, Tasawar Javed
Pueblo Viejo Project, Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation
Daniel Gudgeon, and Arnold Dumont
Woodgrove Technologies Inc.
ABSTRACT: The Pueblo Viejo mine, jointly owned by Barrick and Newmont, is a prominent gold mining
property in the Dominican Republic, holding a gold reserve of 15 million ounces. It harbors a Cretaceous high
sulfidation deposit of gold, silver, copper, and zinc, characterized by minerals such as pyrite, minor sphalerite,
and enargite.
The mineral processing plant has a capacity of 26,000 tpd (9.5 Mtpa), involving crushing, grinding, thickening,
and pressure oxidation, followed by counter-current-decantation (CCD), lime boil, CIL, and cyanide destruc-
tion. Considering the “double refractory” nature of the Pueblo Viejo ore, pressure oxidation (POX) is required to
break down the refractory components and liberate the precious metals to be recovered in the CIL circuit. This
oxidation process, lasting approximately 60 minutes at about 225°C and 3,100 kPag, requires precise parameter
control to help maintain reaction kinetics, avoid autoclave upsets, and maximize metal recovery. Amidst the
challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Pueblo Viejo proactively partnered with Woodgrove
to optimize the performance of the POX plant through the implementation of the AwaRE ® Advanced Process
Control (APC) system. The unique challenge of this endeavor was executing this implementation remotely due
to global travel restrictions and geographical barriers.
This paper highlights the successful remote integration of the Pueblo Viejo Autoclave APC, exemplifying
exceptional teamwork, effective communication, and innovative solutions from both the Pueblo Viejo and
Woodgrove teams. Leveraging digital collaboration tools, seamless communication was ensured despite the
distance. The study delves into the technical aspects of the APC system integration, outlining control strategies
used to optimize autoclave operations. It underscores the benefits of leveraging remote technologies for APC
deployment, even under extraordinary circumstances, offering valuable insights for the mining industry seeking
efficient process control solutions.
Keywords: APC, Advanced Process Control, Autoclave, COVID, Remote Integration