FIELD: metallurgy.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of metallurgy of non-ferrous and noble metals, in particular, to the method to extract gold from telluride ores and concentrates. Initial raw materials are treated with a solution containing 1-10 g/l of sodium sulphite, 0.1-1 mg/l of dissolved oxygen, at pH=10-11. After treatment the cake is separated from the solution and exposed to cyanidation. Solution separated from the cake is returned to treat new portion of raw materials in sodium sulphite solution.
EFFECT: increased speed of gold dissolution during cyanidation by 20-30% due to damage of strong connection between gold and tellurium.