Comparison of methods of concentrating and recovering fine gold particles
By Charles Kubach, Mine-Engineer.Com
The data for this article comes from the British Geological Survey Technical Report WC/97/14.
Next, jigs were tested, with better results. Jigs were found to work well on particles between 2.5 mm ((0.094 inches) a
nd 75 microns (200 mesh). Again, on 2.5 mm to 1 mm gold the jig was 90% effective, and the efficiency decreased rapidly
as the particle size decreased. On 100 micron gold it was still 50% efficient, though, much better than a sluice for
particles between 1 mm and 100 microns.
The above jig will process 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per hour of -1/8" ore.
Note that the jig is dis-assembled for illustration.
Then gravity concentrating tables were tested, which produced the best results for gravity concentrating devices. (Again, no news here) On particles between 3 mm and 15 microns (-635 mesh), the tables were determined to be effective. In a particle size range ranging from 3 mm to 40 microns (400 mesh), the tables were found to be 90% effective, with efficiency decreasing as particle sized decreased. On particles sized between 20 microns and 40 microns, the tables were only 20% efficient.
This small Wilfley table will process about 400 pounds per hour of -10 mesh ore
The above jig will process 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per hour of -1/8" ore.
Note that the jig is dis-assembled for illustration.
Then gravity concentrating tables were tested, which produced the best results for gravity concentrating devices. (Again, no news here) On particles between 3 mm and 15 microns (-635 mesh), the tables were determined to be effective. In a particle size range ranging from 3 mm to 40 microns (400 mesh), the tables were found to be 90% effective, with efficiency decreasing as particle sized decreased. On particles sized between 20 microns and 40 microns, the tables were only 20% efficient.
This small Wilfley table will process about 400 pounds per hour of -10 mesh ore
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