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Proof-of-Concept
Testing of a Gold Recovery Process Using Magnetic Activated Carbon--Eriez
Manufacturing,
Dr.
Michael J. Mankosa, Principal Investigator,
Mr.
Timothy G. Shuttleworth, Business Official, tshuttleworth@eriez.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83651
Amount:
$369,383
The processing rate in gold
extraction applications is limited by current production methods.
Pulverized
activated carbon could be used to improve reaction kinetics, reduce energy
consumption, and minimize the waste generated per unit of gold produced;
however, this carbon cannot be separated from the ore.
This project will develop technology for rendering the powdered carbon
magnetic so that it can be separated from the host ore after adsorption of the
dissolved gold. The approach will
improve gold recovery from difficult ore deposits resulting in increased mine
life and extraction efficiency, as well as reducing the energy consumed and
environmental impact per ton of ore mined. In
Phase I, samples of magnetic activated carbon were prepared using various
procedures and raw materials. The
carbon samples were evaluated for gold adsorption and magnetic characteristics.
Results indicate that current standards for gold recovery can be met or
exceeded with improvements in both processing rate and gold recovery.
Phase II will demonstrate the magnetic carbon process on a continuous
basis in an operating mining environment; on-site testing is critical to
determine whether the plant operating environment and/or process variances will
influence the results. All critical
design parameters will be measured, in order to in engineer a Phase III
demonstration facility.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as
described by awardee: The primary
application for this technology is in gold mining.
Other uses include improved purification of drinking water, treatment of
contaminated ground water, and mercury removal from power plant and waste
incineration flue gas. All
applications offer the benefit of improved management of natural resources and
reduced environmental impact. This
technology will also add to the manufacturing base for domestic activated carbon
producers to help offset the recent increase in foreign competition.