Activated carbon is widely used as an absorbent in the gold processing industry. Its high surface area, microporous structure and exceptional hardness make it an essential product in carbon-in-leach (CIL), carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and carbon-in-column (CIC) operating systems.
The Gold Recovery Process
In the gold recovery process water and cyanide like calcium cyanide, potassium cyanide or sodium cyanide are incorporated into the ore to form a slurry. The gold leaches out and mixes with cyanide into a solution. This is when activated carbon is added to separate and store gold which is removed at the final stage. To achieve the highest gold yield, it is crucial to use high-quality activated carbon. Western Carbon & Chemicals is one of the top activated carbon manufacturers in world offering a wide range of activated carbon including extruded activated carbon (EAC), powder activated carbon, granular activated carbon (GAC) and others tailored specifically for your applications.
Three Basic Operating Systems for Gold Recovery
- Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) – The Carbon-in-Pulp or CIP is sequential leaching and later absorption of gold from ore. In the CIP stage, the pulp flows through different agitated tanks in which sodium cyanide and oxygen are added to dissolve gold into the solution. This solution flows through the agitated tanks containing activated carbon at the absorption stage. The gold gets absorbed by the activated carbon that flows into the pulp as the screening separates the barren pulp from the gold-absorbed activated carbon.
- Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) – CIL takes place when activated carbon is added to the slurry before the leaching process starts. The gold is leached and adsorbed at the same time.
- Carbon-in-Column –This method is used to recover precious metals from solutions, unlike slurries. After leaching the gold cyanide solution is poured into large columns packed with activated carbon.
Also check: Activated Carbon V/s Activated Charcoal
Why Activated Carbon is Used For Gold Recovery?
Activated carbon has an excellent adsorption capacity. The activated process, especially for coconut shell activated carbon, gives it a tiny microporous structure and large surface area that serve as bonding spots for gold molecules. The surface molecules attract the gold molecules that are desorbed by the activated carbon.
What Happens to the Activated Carbon after Gold Recovery?
After the gold recovery process, the activated carbon is considered ‘spent’ but it can be reused. At Western Carbon & Chemicals, we provide high-quality activated carbon with a high adsorption rate and large surface area which are necessary for the adsorption of gold particles from leaching solutions.
Buy Activated Carbon for Gold Recovery
Western Carbon & Chemicals, as one of the most trusted coconut shell activated carbon suppliers in India, is committed to providing high-quality activated carbon for gold recovery solutions that meet the highest quality standards. Our range of activated carbon undergoes rigorous testing to ensure meeting and exceeding quality and performance. To discuss your requirements, call us.
