All-in-one gold processing solutions from Anton Paar
[Sponsored] Gold mining is a global industry of significant economic and social importance. The extraction and processing of gold ore requires precision and efficiency to maximise yield and minimise losses. Given the variable composition of gold ore deposits, automation and continuous monitoring of critical process steps are essential to ensure optimal production.
Anton Paar offers advanced inline measurement solutions, including the L-Sonic 5100 sound velocity meter and the L-Cor Coriolis flowmeter, which enable full automation and real-time monitoring of key steps in gold extraction and processing.
Gold mining and processing
The gold production process involves several key steps, from ore extraction to refining into gold ingots. These steps include mining, crushing, milling, thickening, pH control, cyanide leaching, carbon absorption, desorption and smelting.
Anton Paar’s inline meters improve process control by enabling precise dosing and concentration measurement of critical substances at various stages:
• Lime dosing: Maintaining a pH above 10,5 in the thickener basin is crucial to ensure efficient cyanide leaching. If the pH drops below this threshold, toxic cyanide gas formation increases, and gold recovery efficiency decreases.
• Cyanide leaching: In leaching tanks, sodium cyanide and oxygen dissolve gold into a stable aurocyanide complex, Na[Au(CN)2]. Inline monitoring optimises reagent use and ensures consistent gold recovery.
• Carbon desorption: Gold-rich activated carbon undergoes desorption using a hot sodium hydroxide solution. The eluted gold is transferred to electrowinning cells before smelting.
• Hydrochloric acid dilution and carbon regeneration: Before reusing activated carbon, calcium deposits must be removed using a hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The L-Sonic 5100 enables precise dilution of concentrated HCl to the required
Anton Paar process sensors
Anton Paar’s inline measurement solutions enhance process efficiency by reducing manual sampling and laboratory analysis. The L-Sonic 5100 and L-Cor Coriolis flowmeters provide real-time monitoring and automation capabilities, optimising resource usage and minimising reagent waste.
L-Sonic 5100 sound velocity meter:
• Measures sound velocity to determine acid and chemical concentrations.
• Enables precise HCl dilution for carbon regeneration.
• Can be installed in storage tanks or pipelines for continuous monitoring.
L-Cor Coriolis flowmeter:
• Provides accurate mass flow measurement for reagents such as cyanide and sodium hydroxide.
• Offers real-time density and flow rate monitoring.
• Supports automated process adjustments, minimising chemical waste and optimising recovery.
Key benefits at a glance
• Cost efficiency: Reduces raw material and operational costs by optimising chemical dosing.
• Automation and 24/7 process control: Eliminates manual sampling and ensures continuous operation.
• Integrated PLC communication: Compatible with standard automation systems for seamless integration.
• No bypass or additional equipment needed: Direct inline measurement without external pumps or adaptors.
• Robust and durable design: Designed for harsh mining environments, ensuring long-term reliability.
The Anton Paar advantage
Anton Paar’s L-Sonic 5100 sound velocity meter and L-Cor Coriolis flowmeter are transformative solutions for gold mining operations. By enabling real-time monitoring and automation, these technologies enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve gold recovery. Implementing these advanced inline sensors ensures a more sustainable, precise and profitable gold extraction process.
For more information contact Wiaan Goosen, Anton Paar,
| Tel: | +27 10 443 0950 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.anton-paar.com/za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Anton Paar |
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