What does it cost to mill gold ore?

The cost of milling gold ore can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the scale of the operation, the grade of the ore, the type of milling process used, and the geographic location of the mine. Generally, milling costs can range from around $20 to $70 per ton of ore processed, though this is a rough estimate and specific costs can be higher or lower.

Here are some important factors that influence the cost:

1. Grade of Ore: Higher-grade ores require less energy and resources to extract an ounce of gold.
2. Type of Milling Process: Different processes, such as heap leaching, flotation, or cyanidation, have varying costs.
3. Scale of Operation: Larger operations benefit from economies of scale, which can lower per-ton milling costs.
4. Location: Costs can be influenced by local labor rates, energy costs, regulatory requirements, and access to infrastructure.
5. Refractory Nature of Ore: Some ores require more complex and expensive processes to extract gold.

For a more precise estimate, a feasibility study or consultation with a mining engineer can provide more detailed insights tailored to the specific conditions and requirements of the gold milling project.