Concentrating gold ore involves separating gold from the surrounding rock and minerals. Several types of equipment are used in this process, depending on the ore type and scale of operation. Here are some common gold ore concentration methods and their associated equipment:
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1. Gravity Separation Equipment
Used for free-milling gold (coarse particles).
– Jig Concentrators – Separates heavy minerals like gold from lighter materials using pulsating water.
– Shaking Tables – Uses vibration and water flow to separate gold from gangue.
– Spiral Concentrators – Uses centrifugal force to concentrate heavy minerals.
– Centrifugal Concentrators (e.g., Knelson, Falcon) – High-G force separates fine gold particles.
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2. Flotation Equipment
Used for sulfide ores where gold is locked in sulfides.
– Flotation Cells – Chemicals make gold hydrophobic, allowing it to attach to air bubbles and float.
3. Magnetic & Electrostatic Separators
– Used when gold is associated with magnetic minerals (e.g., magnetite).
4. Leaching & Adsorption Equipment
For fine or refractory gold ores:
– CIL/CIP Tanks (Carbon-in-Leach/Pulp) – Gold dissolves in cyanide solution and adsorbs onto activated carbon.
– Heap Leach Pads – Low-grade ores are stacked and irrigated with cyanide solution to extract gold.
5. Amalgamation (Mercury-Based, Now Mostly Outdated & Unsafe)
– Used historically but discouraged due to toxicity risks.
6. Smelting & Refining Equipment
After concentration:
– Furnaces (Induction, Electric Arc) – Melts concentrates to produce doré bars.
– Electrolysis Cells (Miller or Wohlwill Process) – Refines gold to high purity (99.99%).
Modern & Small-Scale Options:
– Blue Bowl Concentrator – Simple gravity separation for prospectors.
– Gold Cube – Portable sluice system for fine gold recovery.
Would you like recommendations based on a specific ore type or scale of operation?