Gold Recovery Activated Carbon

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Gold recovery is a cornerstone of the global mining industry, and activated carbon plays a pivotal role in the modern, efficient extraction of gold from ore. Through the widely adopted carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and carbon-in-leach (CIL) processes, activated carbon acts as a selective sponge for gold. This page details how specialized, hard-grade activated carbon is engineered to adsorb the gold-cyanide complex from slurry, enabling high recovery rates. We will explore its critical function, the ideal product specifications, and the practical solutions that make it an indispensable component in profitable and sustainable gold mining operations worldwide.

Role of Activated Carbon

In gold recovery, activated carbon serves as the primary adsorbent medium for collecting the gold-cyanide complex [Au(CN)₂⁻] from leached ore slurry. Its highly developed pore structure, specifically a balance of mesopores and macropores, provides the ideal surface area and adsorption kinetics for capturing these large gold complexes. The loaded carbon is then separated from the slurry, and the gold is stripped off in a separate elution column, allowing the carbon to be thermally regenerated and reused. This process is highly selective, efficient, and forms the economic backbone of most large-scale gold extraction today.

Related Product Categories

Coconut Shell Based Activated Carbon

The industry standard, prized for its exceptional hardness, high adsorption capacity, and optimal pore structure for gold cyanide complexes.

Impregnated Activated Carbon

Chemical Activation Activated Carbon

Often used to create the specific, highly developed pore network required for fast and efficient gold loading in modern recovery plants.

Hard Granular Activated Carbon

Specified for its mechanical durability to withstand the abrasive conditions of agitated pulp in CIL/CIP tanks and screening systems.

Reactivated Carbon

Regenerated spent carbon that has been thermally processed to restore its activity, offering a cost-effective and sustainable option for reuse in the circuit.

Specific Solutions

Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) Process

In the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) process, activated carbon is added directly to the leaching tanks where gold is being dissolved by a cyanide solution. The carbon and ore slurry are agitated together, allowing the gold-cyanide complex to adsorb onto the carbon granules simultaneously with the leaching reaction. This integrated approach offers operational simplicity and is highly effective for ores where leaching kinetics are fast. The loaded carbon is periodically removed from the last tank in the series via inter-stage screens, ensuring high gold recovery efficiency in a continuous, streamlined operation.

Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) Process

The Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) process involves a separate adsorption circuit after the gold has been fully leached from the ore. The gold-bearing slurry is pumped through a series of agitated tanks containing fresh or regenerated activated carbon. As the slurry flows from one tank to the next, the carbon, which moves counter-currently, becomes progressively loaded with gold. This dedicated adsorption stage allows for optimal control and is particularly advantageous for ores with slower leaching characteristics or higher concentrations of fouling organics, maximizing recovery from the preg-robbing solution.

Elution, Regeneration & Tailings Treatment

Once loaded, gold must be stripped from the carbon. The loaded carbon is transferred to an elution column where a hot caustic-cyanide solution desorbs the gold, producing a rich, concentrated solution for electrowinning. The stripped carbon is then thermally reactivated in a rotary kiln to burn off organic fouling agents and restore its adsorption capacity before being returned to the circuit. Additionally, activated carbon can be used in dedicated columns to recover residual gold from tailings or pregnant solution, ensuring maximum economic yield from the ore.

Why Choose Us

Mining-Grade Product Specialization

We supply high-hardness, high-activity carbons engineered specifically for the abrasive and chemical demands of gold recovery circuits.

Optimized for High Recovery Rates

Our carbons offer fast loading kinetics and high gold capacity, directly impacting your plant's efficiency and profitability.

Full-Circuit Technical Support

We provide expertise not just on carbon selection, but on elution, regeneration, and overall adsorption circuit optimization.

Global Reliability for Critical Operations

With a robust supply chain and consistent quality, we are a trusted partner for mines that operate 24/7 and depend on uninterrupted supply.

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