Steps Of Engineering Concentration From International Precious Metals Institute ( IPMI )

Examples of exciting from International Precious Metals Institute ( IPMI ) how to refine precious metals with the initial steps of engineering concentration, using chemical engineering mineral engineering metallurgical, industrial engineering geology, geosciences, organic, inorganic, health, safety and many others.

Precious metals produced from primary sources start off as or once the ore is removed from the mine it must be processed to separate the valuable content from the surrounding rock and minerals to extract the metals from the ore. 

Ore with low concentrations of metal take more energy and work to concentrate and refine. concentrations of precious metals in or can be very low, yet still be profitable to mines due to high value platinum concentrations in or can contain as little as two and a half grams per ton, that is the equivalent of 2 to 3 grams of precious metals in a million grams of surrounding Rock.

The task of separating the Platinum from the rest of the material is a multi-step process using a variety of separation techniques. Mineral engineering is the discipline that utilizes technology to concentrate or the techniques used in mineral engineering have formed the foundation of all refining and recycling processes. This is true for precious metals recycling from automotive catalysts to the separation and recycling of metals glass and plastics from household trash.

The differences in physical properties of materials being separated are used to separate them. for example a mixture of magnetic and non-magnetic particles can be separated using large magnets within separating tumblers. In every case the material must first be broken apart into small enough particles to enable them be separated.

Crushing and grinding of the first step to break down more the amount of energy used, to accomplish this is significant so technology has been refined to optimize the process or its first blasted from rock, and then the large boulders get crushed for easy transport and handling by trucks and conveyors.

The ore is then taken through various types of crushing and grinding equipment until it is almost in a fine powder form. The rock size distribution and hardness are matched to the type of equipment used impact crushers roll crushers home pressures and grinding Mills progressively reduce the particle size massive grinding or ball mills contain large hard spheres which roll and tumble to grind the ore particles between their services. Technology has been developed to monitor variations in the incoming orb properties and modify the crushing techniques to improve efficiency.

Once the metal bearing or has been crushed and then ground the precious metal bearing material must be separated from the rest of the material. A standard and widely used process called flotation separates particles based on their tendency to attach to frothing bubbles. precious metals can be found within ores metallic particles or contained in formations of oxides or sulphides.

When the valuable content of the ore is in one form like sulfide the surface chemistry properties may differ from the surrounding material in the ore which will allow Flotation to be used to separate them the ore is mixed with water and small quantities of chemicals are added to help the separation a very small amount of wetting agent is first mixed in to selectively coat the desired particles.

This treatment alters the surface chemistry of some material and improves attraction and adherence to the bubbles in the froth, the pH of the slurry may also be monitored and adjusted to control the surface chemistry, the next chemical addition is the frothing agent which is a type of soap which will create thick bubbles that can hold on to the selected particles.

Internal impellers spin at high speeds to draw in air and create fine bubbles these bubbles swirl and rise to the top collecting the particles along the way, this is similar to and can be thought of as a cleaning, action much the same way dirt and stains are cleaned from clothing.

A stain remover may first be sprayed on to treat the fine particles in the stain and then the detergents in the wash lifted up and out. The bubbles then overflow to separate and concentrate the metal bearing particles. Prior to the next concentrating steps a series of flotation cells are typically used in which the froth from one cell cascades into the next cell for further concentration.

Once ores are concentrated additional technologies are used depending on the metals being processed as well as the other materials being removed. hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy are the next disciplines within the realm of mineral engineering which are next employed to concentrate the precious metals from the ore.

Hydrometallurgy involves the technologies which chemically dissolve or leach to eventually extract metals. pyrometallurgy involves melting or other thermal treatment of ores to concentrate or extract metals.

Video International Precious Metals Institute ( IPMI ) Refine Precious Metals - Step Concentration 

See Also : 

Video How To Refine Precious Metals - Hydrometallurgy

Gold Exploration Activities In Newmont Waihi

Geologists Newmont exploring for gold on the coromandel peninsula and the gold fields look for the tale signs of historic volcanic and geothermal. Activity exploration is conducted for define mineral deposits, although it's one of the  first steps towards  developing a mine exploration in an area does not necessarily mean that mining  will follow for every thousand prospects identified only one has the likelihood of becoming an operating mine.

Exploration mine involve geological mapping rock and soil geochemical surveys and geophysical surveys. These surveys provide information on the characteristics of the rocks their history ,strength, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity and mineral content . These are all parameters which help identify areas of greater prospectivity where more detailed work including exploration drilling may be conducted.

Exploration drilling provides a wide range of information on some surface geology, wine space drilling can often show geologic trends which point to areas of Greater prospectivity. Most of the rigs used in this area a diamond drilling rigs, they use a diamond impregnated drill bits capable of boring through hard rock. The drill bit cuts a circular hole to produce drill core for analysis.

The drill bit has attached to the end of a string of hollow steel rods. The rigs engine spins the drill string as it is pushed into the ground. every three meters a new rod is added, as the drill string is spinning and penetrating the rock the chorus forced into the drill rod, if meet raw so this core is pulled out through the inside of the rods and placed in boxes ready for analysis by geologists.

In this region most holes are drilled to a depth of between 200 and 500 meters and due to the near vertical orientation of the quartz veins the holes must be angled to intersect the veins and maximize the information from the drill core, then taken back to a corset and laid out so geologists can record the rock type from surface to the bottom of the hole.

Drill sites are chosen and controls are in place to ensure that exploration drilling activities minimize the impact to the environment. the consent of landowners and occupies is required for any exploration drilling activities and this is formalized in an access agreement.

Drill rigs come in a wide range of configurations from large truck for track mounted to small skid mounted healthy portable rigs. The type of rig used depends on the location ease of access and depth of hole planned. Water is sourced from local streams or if necessary brought to the site. resource consents from the Regional Council are required to take water from streams.

Drilling fluids are added to the water at the rig, these are used to lubricate the drill bit and flush the rock cuttings out of the hole.  The cuttings that come up out of the hole may look muddy and messy but they're captured in sumps at the drill site, where the rock cuttings settle out and the fluids harmlessly break down over time.

There are no discharges off the site . Drilling activities must also comply with all district and regional council regulations covering a range of potential environmental effects.

When the drilling program is completed the drillers cement up the hole before the rig leaves the site. the sumps are filled and all equipment is removed. the site is rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the landowner

Video Gold Exploration Activities In Newmont Waihi

New Job Vacancy In Richmont Gold Mines

Richmont Mines is an established gold producer with a proven 25 year track-record of gold production, mine development and successful mineral exploration in Canada. The Corporation operates the Beaufor Mine in Quebec, and also produces gold from the Island Gold Mine in Ontario, where it is simultaneously developing a significant estimated 1 million ounce high-grade global resource at depth.

Richmont Mines vision is to become a leading intermediate gold producer focused on the Americas generating superior per share valuation. Committed to a Sustainable Business Model and a strategy of long-term growth, and will fully utilize the Corporation's strong balance sheet, assets, cash flow, capital structure and the extensive experience of the Corporations' Board of Directors and management team to build the next leading Canadian based intermediate gold company.

At the heart of all we do is a commitment to responsibility, integrity and accountability and the Corporation's four corporate values of Family, Health & Safety, Team Work and Growth.


About Richmont Gold Mines:

Island Gold Mine is located near Dubreuilville in Northwestern Ontario and is an underground gold mine operation. With the company's focus on this flagship operation, there are transformational development plans at Island Gold to position the mine for future growth by unlocking the value of the Resource extension at depth. This is a very exciting time in the mine life of Island Gold and with that we are searching for highly motivated and committed people to join our team! If you are willing to be part of a team that is dedicated to growth, high performance and a culture of safety and accountability, we would like to hear from you!

Job Vacancy In Richmont Gold Mines

1. Environmental Technician

Closing Date  :  19 Apr 2017

Location         :   Dubreuilville ON

Type                :   Full-Time

Summary       :

             
Reporting to the Superintendent, Environment, the Environmental Technician will be responsible to maintain the environmental management system as required and acting as a resource for anyone seeking information.   This is a key role for the mine and the successful candidate must be an exemplary employee towards the environment with a positive and energetic personality.
    

2. Long-hole planner

Closing Date  :  18 Apr 2017

Location         :   Dubreuilville ON

Type                :   Full-Time

Summary       :

In general, the Junior Engineer will work closely with senior production engineer to provide drilling layout, coordinate production drilling, develop long-hole stoping strategies, blasting result analysis, production performance analysis and other mining engineering related tasks.

3. Mechanic - Class A

Closing Date  :  17 Apr 2017

Location         :  Dubreuilville ON

Type                :  Full-Time

Summary

Reporting to the Mobile Maintenance Supervisor, the Mobile Mechanic is responsible to perform a full range of maintenance, repair and service activities on heavy equipment. The employee uses considerable independent judgment in making decisions and is able to perform advanced trouble shooting on equipment. Repair and maintain mine equipment in compliance with workplace safety rules and regulations.

4. Mine Supervisor

Closing Date   :  1 May 2017

Location          :  Dubreuilville ON

Type                 :  Full-Time

Summary

Reporting to the Mine Captain, the Mine Supervisor is responsible to provide complex technical support to mine / underground operations. To follow established policies, practices, and procedures when completing work assignments. To provide work direction to mine / underground operations staff. To ensure continued growth of the team.  To maximize operational efficiencies and profitability and to be a leader in Health, Safety and Environment.

5. General Submission for Non Active Positions - QC

Closing Date     :  1 Jan 2018

Location            :  Val-d'Or QC

Summary

GENERAL APPLICATIONS for ALL NON Active Positions. Beaufor Mine is always open to any and all applicants, please feel free to submit your resume in confidence. Should your skills and experiences match with any future open positions we will be sure to contact you. Please Note that all submissions will be held for 6 months from the date of submission.

6.  General Submission for Non Active Positions

Closing Date     :  2 Jan 2018
Location            :  Dubreuilville ON
Type                   :  Full-Time

Summary

Island Gold is always open to any and all applicants, please feel free to submit your resume in confidence.  Should your skills and experiences match any future open positions we will be sure to contact you.  Please Note that all submissions will be held for 6 months from the date of submission

7.  Mobile mechanic -Class 1   

Closing Date      :  1 Jul 2017
Location             :  Val-d'Or QC
Type                    :  Full-Time

Summary

Under the supervision of Mechanical foreman, the mobile mechanic-Class 1 has as main task the repair and maintenance of all mechanical equipment, diesel, hydraulic and pneumatic underground and surface. He is also called to do the welding, all according to the rules, procedures and policies of the company.

8.  Junior Geologist

Closing Date     :  28 Apr 2017
Location            :  Val-d'Or QC
Type                   :  Full-Time

Summary

Under the supervision of the chief geologist, the junior geologist works in close collaboration with the production geologist. The junior geologist visits daily the active workplaces underground (development faces and construction site), carries out geologic mapping, alignment to follow if development is in geological control, identifies the ore and the waste(sterile) to be cleared, and produces and distributes a visit report to the staff concerned. He assists geologists in the planning of diamond drilling and execute drill cores

9.  Mining engineer JR, Ventillation and field control

Closing Date     :  22 Apr 2017

Location            :  Val-d'Or QC

Type                  :   Full-Time

Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Engineer, the Junior Mining Engineer in Ventilation and Field Control is responsible for checking the flow and quality of air in underground workplaces and making adjustments where necessary. He makes sure to fill in all the necessary official documents for the various required reports. It participates and plans the ventilation during the concepts and regularly updates the ventilation plans. Finally, it inspects workplaces in accordance with plans and specifications.

10. Instrumentation and control technician

Closing Date     :  29 Apr 2017

Location            :  Val-d'Or QC

Type                   :  Full-Time

Summary

Under the supervision of the electrical foreman, the instrumentation and control technician is responsible for the proper operation and advancement of the automation network. He may be subject to emergency calls at night or on weekends. The technician performs work as underground than on the surface and must follow the standards set by the company. All in accordance with company procedures, policies and standards.

11. Electrician field

Closing Date     :  22 Apr 2017
Location            :  Val-d'Or QC
Type                   :  Full-Time

Summary

Under the supervision of the electrical foreman, Electrician field has the primary responsibilities of working on the repair and maintenance of any network, equipment, mobile or stationary electrical device and PLC underground and on the surface. He must ensure that the equipment fleet is the most available and functional as possible while respecting the rules, procedures and company policies. In addition electrician field must take emergency calls day and night and be available during his work schedule

 12. Raise man, Leader

Closing Date     :  28 Apr 2017
Location            :  Val-d'Or QC
Type                   :  Full-Time

Summary

Under the supervision of the foreman underground, the raise man, leader maintain his equipment, his place of work, and the taxiway. It must carry out clearing, drilling, and blasting. All in compliance with the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, policies and others of the company and the law of mines and occupational health and safety of Quebec. He may also be called upon to do some timbering and to replace an absent worker on another post.

We encourage you to take some time to explore your career opportunities at Richmont Mines

Working at Mill Operator II - Sierrita - Green Valley, AZ

We encourage you to take some time to explore your career opportunities at Freeport-McMoRan. Employee who under general supervision safely performs duties related to the production of copper and/or molybdenum concentrates in the Mill at a highly skilled level.

Freeport-McMoRan is a premier U.S.- based natural resource company successful history of conducting business in a safe, highly efficient and socially responsible manner. The Company has a dynamic portfolio of operating, expansion and growth projects in the mining industry

Working at Mill Operator II - Sierrita - Green Valley, AZ

We have the assets, the talent, the drive and the financial strength to provide attractive and rewarding careers for our employees. We encourage you to take some time to explore your career opportunities at Freeport-McMoRan.

Employee who under general supervision safely performs duties related to the production of copper and/or molybdenum concentrates in the Mill at a highly skilled level.

• Completes duties within the Mill process which could include tasks within the following areas: fine crushing plant, COB, ball mill, roughers, cleaners, flotation cells, moly plant, copper moly thickeners, tailing thickeners, and mill control room
• Takes process readings and makes necessary process changes or adjustments
• Uses electronic process monitoring system to monitor conveyor, plant systems and equipment
• Performs start-up and shut-down of plant or related systems
• Mentors and trains other employees
• Acts as Fill-in Supervisor as needed
• Operates processing equipment and makes adjustments as needed
• Performs basic maintenance on processing equipment and reports maintenance issues
• May operate mobile equipment such as front-end loaders, forklifts, skid-steer loaders, and overhead cranes
• Performs area housekeeping duties and may perform work area and safety audits
• Performs other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in Mill Process Operations
• Knowledge of the wet grind system and flow systems through mill and flotation area
• Knowledge of the filtering and drying process
• Knowledge of placard system to accurately identify hazardous materials
• Knowledge of environmental policies and responsible for reporting any issues and/or concerns
• May be required to complete HAZMAT training as required by Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations

Qualifications

Preferred

• High School diploma or GED

Criteria/Conditions

• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English
• Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards
• Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment
• Work is performed in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms and work in confined spaces
• Occasionally may be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds during the course of the work day
• Will be required to work rotating shifts in a 24/7/365 operation
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable State Laws

Freeport-McMoRan has reviewed the jobs at its various office and operating sites and determined that many of these jobs require employees to perform essential job functions that pose a direct threat to the safety or health of the employees performing these tasks or others.  Accordingly, the Company has designated the following positions as safety-sensitive:

• Site-based positions, or positions which require unescorted access to site-based operational areas, which are held by employees who are required to receive MSHA, OSHA, DOT, HAZWOPER and/or Hazard Recognition Training; or
• Positions which are held by employees who operate equipment, machinery or motor vehicles in furtherance of performing the essential functions of their job duties, including operating motor vehicles while on Company business or travel (for this purpose “motor vehicles” includes Company owned or leased motor vehicles and personal motor vehicles used by employees in furtherance of Company business or while on Company travel); or
• Positions which Freeport-McMoRan has designated as safety sensitive positions in the applicable job or position description and which upon further review continue to be designated as safety-sensitive based on an individualized assessment of the actual duties performed by a specifically identified employee.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability

Nearest Major City

Tucson

Job

Mill Operator II - Sierrita - Green Valley, AZ

Primary Location

United States Arizona Green Valley

Job Vacancy Senior Process Engineer - Bagdad, AZ Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan Job Vacancy Senior Process Engineer - Bagdad, AZ . Freeport-McMoRan is a premier U.S.-based natural resource company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Freeport operate large, long-lived, geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable reserves of copper, gold, molybdenum, cobalt, oil and gas.  The Company has a dynamic portfolio of operating, expansion and growth projects in the copper industry and is the world’s largest producer of molybdenum and a significant gold, oil and gas producer.

Freeport-McMoRan have a long and successful history of conducting mining business in a safe, highly efficient and socially responsible manner. Freeport have the assets, the talent, the drive and the financial strength to provide attractive and rewarding careers for employees.

We encourage you to take some time to explore your career opportunities at Freeport-McMoRan. Provide technical advice and guidance for all phases of assigned large/complex Engineering projects and programs, ensuring the successful conclusion of all phases within an appropriate time and at appropriate cost.  

Review Job Senior Process Engineer - Bagdad, AZ , investigate and develop appropriate recommendations regarding assigned Engineering projects.

• Manage projects and serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion or modifications
• Provide guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable processes, practices, and existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations
• Contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for designated Engineering areas
• Develop and evaluate AFE’s (Authorization for Expenditure) for capital funding requests
• May evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
• May represent the site on Company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams
• Perform other duties as assigned


Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and five (5) years of related experience in Engineering or related field, OR
• Master's degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and three (3) years of related experience in Engineering or related field
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Engineering
• Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions
• Skilled in managing large/complex Engineering projects
• Able to evaluate and implement new methods and techniques for operational improvement
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Qualifications

Preferred

• Advanced degree or Professional Engineering (PE) Certification
• DCS process control experience
• Seven (7) years of ABB experience
• Electrical and instrumentation experience
• Five (5) years of computer programming, networking, and troubleshooting experience
• Experience with PLC, AB, OVATION, and SCADA
• Microwave and radio communications experience
• Supervisory experience

Criteria/Conditions

• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English
• Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards
• Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment
• Work is in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear and see
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to thirty (30) pounds during the course of the workday
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable State Laws

Freeport-McMoRan has reviewed the jobs at its various office and operating sites and determined that many of these jobs require employees to perform essential job functions that pose a direct threat to the safety or health of the employees performing these tasks or others.  Accordingly, the Company has designated the following positions as safety-sensitive:

• Site-based positions, or positions which require unescorted access to site-based operational areas, which are held by employees who are required to receive MSHA, OSHA, DOT, HAZWOPER and/or Hazard Recognition Training; or 
• Positions which are held by employees who operate equipment, machinery or motor vehicles in furtherance of performing the essential functions of their job duties, including operating motor vehicles while on Company business or travel (for this purpose “motor vehicles” includes Company owned or leased motor vehicles and personal motor vehicles used by employees in furtherance of Company business or while on Company travel); or
• Positions which Freeport-McMoRan has designated as safety sensitive positions in the applicable job or position description and which upon further review continue to be designated as safety-sensitive based on an individualized assessment of the actual duties performed by a specifically identified employee.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability

Nearest Major City

Prescott Valley

Job

Senior Process Engineer - Bagdad, AZ

Primary Location

United States Arizona Bagdad

Videos Gold Refining With Aqua Regia By Machine

Gold refining with aqua regia by machine, after the raw material is impure gold is melted in an induction furnace the form of grains or flakes to be fed to the Aqua region reactor. The Aqua region refining plant comprises of steps mix acid that is aqua reaction as the first step we're an impure alloy is dissolved.

Steam or heating issues as a step to enhance reaction and ensure good efficiency. this aqua region reactor is connected to a fume scrubber which takes care of neutralizing toxic fumes of acid mainly knocks generated due to nitric acid and also hydrochloric acid vapors.

Silver gets converted to white silver chloride crystals which are filtered in the silver chloride filter and once it is ensured that entire silver chloride is filtered.

Then the silver chloride crystals from the filter are collected and accumulated, these are then cemented in silver semen tation unit where it is reduced by a mixture of sodium hydroxide and glucose. The cemented silver is filtered casted into a node bar and is refined to pure silver of 999 quality an electrolytic silver refining setup.

The liquids after filtration of silver from electrolytic refining plant are also collected in liquid storage tanks. Clear gold chloride solution is transferred to another reactor where sodium metabisulfite is charged in as a reducing agent,  then this will precipitate gold from the solution, this is monitored by good pH control and viewing glass reactor for the right change in color.

The cemented gold is then filtered in the gold filter until it is ensured that entire gold is collected this wet gold is 99.5 quality and the liquids left out are transferred to exhaust liquid storage tanks.

Pure gold of 99.5 quality filtered from aqua region refining plant if it needs to be further purified should pass through the process of electrolytic gold refining in order to get 999.9 purity.

All the exhaust liquids are collected in storage tanks are passed through three tanks by overflow systems and then primarily in the first stage copper is cemented which is filtered and collected for further refining. The liquids after copper sementation are treated with alkali solution mixture of calcium and sodium hydroxide. These metallic hydroxy Tsar sedimented which are filtered in a filter press and then after clear water is discharged to drain.

The pure gold sand of 99.5 generated from the Aqua region process is first dried in an oven or it can be pure gold of 99.9 from electrolytic process. This gold is then melted in an induction furnace where after it follows the process depending on the configuration of gold bar desired, for gold bars up to 100 GMS configuration the molten gold is collected in a pre-designed mold for the desired configuration and strips, these gold strips are then passed through the rolling mill where the rollers are set to get the right thickness of the strip's getting converted two sheets.

These sheets are then passed through the cutting press with set of punching so that gold blocks are cut as desired these gold blocks are then annealed to remove oxide by a flame and then cooled and cleaned.

For gold bars above 100 GMS up to killobar configuration. The molten gold is collected in a pre-designed mold for the desired configuration. This is then cooled in the cooling table where bar is formed. A burner flame is used in order that oxides are not formed this is mainly a kneeling step and then the gold bar is cleaned.

Videos Gold Refining With Aqua Regia By Machine

See Also

Video Process Basics How Gold Is Made In The Mining

Gold is the softest and most malleable, metal it can be pressed extremely thin crafted into various shapes even drawn out to form a fine wire. Gold isn't affected by water or oxygen as many metals are so it doesn't rust. Most gold comes from low deposits also called bein deposits concentrations of gold and other metals in the cracks of rocks. Low deposits require hard rock mining, the process of removing gold-bearing rock called or by drilling and blasting

Miners to send more than half kilometer underground there they drill holes for explosives using what's called a long whole air drill. They drill in a specific pattern set out in a plan prepared by the mines engineers. The engineers know exactly where those veins of gold are thanks to the mining companies geologists who studied or samples.

The company collects these samples by drilling deep into the rock at 50-meter intervals. These diamond drill cores as they're called are up to 100 meters long and measure three point five centimeters in diameter.

Gold in its natural state isn't cure it's usually intertwined with silver and other metals, so the mind or has to be processed afterward to isolate and extract the gold. A metric ton of ore yields only about six point five grams of gold. After blasting the rock apart with explosives or miners use what's called a mock machine to transfer the or two cars headed to the main shaft and then above ground to the mill. There a crusher reduces the large chunks into smaller rocks about the size of gravel a mil then processed into a pulp

The factory adds a water and cyanide solution than another mill and flows into large settling tanks. The wet solids being heavier sinks to the bottom, the water the top drains to another area. They transfer the solids to an agitation tank and blowing air the oxygen steps off a chemical reaction between the cyanide and the goal triggering the gold to dissolve and leach into the surrounding water.  

Drum filters then separate the water from the solids. This water now joins the water that was separated earlier they pour in zinc powder to solidify the dissolve gold and four pieces containing both zink and gold. To smelt it into bars they first have to mix several chemicals, manganese dioxide, flew right, silica flower, borax and sodium nitrate. 

This chemical mix called flux will separate the gold from the impurities. Into the smelter whose temperature is a fiery 1,600 degrees Celsius. The rotate smelters so that the contents heat evenly, over two and a half hours the heavier gold eventually sinks to the bottom while the impurities called slag float to the surface.  They pour out the slag taking a sample to make sure it contains gold or no.

The gold cooled slightly so they reheat - 1600 degrees celsius, then cast into bar-shaped molds. The gold takes about four minutes to harden, and then another hour to cool completely in a basin of cold water. Then bullion cleaned of dirt remaining combustion. Gold bars or ingots, this stage the gold is eighty percent pure.

Video Process Basics How Gold Is Made In The Mining 

Precious Metals Analysis For Sampling

A true sample is a small sample of a mask which represents the average composition of the mass or simply stated truly representative of the bulk, uniformity of composition and particle size of the boat material are the key features which lead to selecting the processes required to generate true samples.

Both lots of materials for saddling come in many forms from mick solids like crushed or for scraps circuit boards for recycling to sludge slurries and solutions from industrial processes.

To maximize uniformity of composition fault materials are most often process prior to sampling.

For example scrap metal lots are melted to form alloys for leech to take all the metals into solution for analysis. When the ball contains solid particles imaginas ation for mechanical mixing is a sampling technique employee to create a uniform distribution of particles so that each sample taken from the mixed will represent the average composition.

The uniformity of composition of the starting material greatly affects the amount of reduction needed for true sample

Highly uniform materials require less reduction. fundamental principle of good sampling is to gradually reduce the bulk simultaneously with a gradual reduction in the size of the particles.

Larger sample sizes are required with larger particle size distributions of the bulk. Therefore it is of great value to crush and grind the sample to allow for taking smaller reliable sample. The sample is then mixed thoroughly to obtain a mixture that is homogenized.

For example when salt is completely dissolved into a solution, the solution is thoroughly mixed so that any droplet will contain the same concentration of dissolved salt. in order to get the same amount of thorough mixing with solid particle mixtures, the solid particles must be ground small enough and extensively mixed prior to sampling.

Each type of material for sampling and analysis has optimum ratios for the finest relative to the size of the sample. These ratios must be determined experimentally. middle of the blended and split test samples are taken from lots and sent for analysis.

Essay samples are then taken from the test samples which typically require further grinding and splitting. there are a number of traps that can produce misleading results that karen handling should avoid.

cross-contamination for one sample to the next could occur if sampling equipment is not cleaned adequately between life. care must be taken to collect all of exhaustion crushing grinding or handling fine materials that some does have different metal concentrations than the bone.

Fine particles may also pick up or lose moisture while passing through sampling equipment although they may not appear wet they may contain enough moisture to affect results so this should be accountable.

When samples reach the essay lab they may have segregated so the test sample should also be blended again and split properly.

The ipmi recognizes the importance of this technology to the precious metals community and has published and made available several books on this subject. The sampling and analysis committee of the ipmi also publishes guidelines in this field

Video Precious Metals Analysis For Sampling

See Also:
The Basics Sampling Science for Precious Metals Analysis

The Basics Sampling Science for Precious Metals Analysis

The process of taking small samples for analysis

The process of taking small samples for analysis to determine the precious metal content of a large quantity of material is the most critical. Small errors and sapling can there fore lead to large differences in the calculated value of each precious metal. Sampling science and techniques are used on primary sources of precious metals from ore samples at mine sites.

Due to the high value of precious metals very low concentrations are contained enviable primary or secondary sources. For example a platinum concentration as low as 2 to 3 grams per ton of ore or scrap material is often profitable to recover and refine.

The process of taking samples from drilling to analysis

Secondary sources of precious metals which are manufacturing scrap or end-of-life materials for recycling and  refining must also be sampled properly for accurate results.

The fundamental processes include preparation, homogenization, equation handling and splitting from bulk lots to prepare a small sample to represent the average composition of the large amount of material.

Homogenizing is the process by which the material is blended uniformly to facilitate accurate sampling. Splitting is the act of evenly dividing materials while avoiding any separation or segregation for example a typical sample size of 300 grams may be selected to represent the average composition of several tons of material once the 300 grand sample is sent to the analytical lab the sample will then be further split to obtain smaller samples used for analysis.

Homogenizing process

The science and techniques used at mine sites for obtaining or samples utilize complex statistical analysis. The same material from initial surface exploration is first panel sighs to determine locations for drilling core samples to map out or deposits and determine mind valuations.

Chip samples are also taken within an active mind. Evaluation or deposits are used to determine where to drill and to calculate the value of the ore which is required to secure financing for the mining operation.

Materials that contain precious metals for recycling and refining are collected in bulk lots it is critical to accurately determine what concentrations of each precious metal are contained in each lot for two reasons.

First is to obtain the technical information needed to determine which processes to use for refining or whether it is even worth the cost of refining.

The second is the financial consideration to place the correct value on each lot as the materials change hands from suppliers to fires. Samples are often analyzed by both parties and transactions with a third sample saved as a referee sample for possible analysis by an independent lab.

Video The Basics Sampling Science for Precious Metals Analysis

See Also :
Precious Metals Analysis For Sampling

Artisanal Gold Mining In West Africa

Province Loba 50 meters underground Since 2001, artisanal gold mining communities have sprung up around West Africa, In many respect it resembles the gold rush of the nineteenth century.

These cities were mere fields before they came artisanal miners. His arrival created wealth and a flourishing secondary economy that drove the development of regulations, systems of land tenure, infrastructure and economic diversification.

It is fascinating to see that almost the same phenomena that occurred in the gold rush are happening again today.

Although artisanal gold mining has been active since antiquity, the sector in West Africa has grown dramatically since 2001, driven by rising gold price and the lack of alternative opportunities.

Many farmers and herdsmen have entered the sector of artisanal gold mining and now they use their profits to improve their farming activities.

In artisanal gold mining, see a direct transfer of wealth which it is unique to other products sold on the international market.

For most agricultural products, for example, those who buy in the grocery store, only a small fraction of that profit back to the small original producer, often less than 20%.

Even for social brand products, the percentage is only moderately higher. For example, the banana cooperatives receive about a dollar for 18 kilos of bananas, less than 20%. On the other hand, artisanal miners earn a minimum of 70% to 80% of the international price.

This is unheard of in other goods. Artisanal gold mining is a massive wealth from rich to poor, but also has an amplification effect.

The local secondary economy is typically five or six times larger than the primary economy, the value of gold.

Miners use their profits to pay for hardware products, mining supplies, food, clothing, transportation, communications, medicine, all things that sell local businesses and people of that service sector, in turn do the same.

Thus they are circulating gold profits, building a large and diverse local economy. Motorcycle dealers, home improvement, telecommunications, health services, infrastructure and schools often appear in cities in connection artisanal gold mines.

Mercury is one of the great problems of artisanal gold mining. Mercury is cheap and therefore affordable means for processing the gold, but it is also a deadly neurotoxin that can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, and even death.

It is also a poor extraction method, which normally gets about 40% of the gold that is in the mineral, therefore wasting resource.

Artisanal Gold Mining In West Africa

Although problems like mercury poisoning, exposure to silica dust, child labor and other criminal activity may be present in artisanal mining sites around West Africa, governments often overlook the positive benefits.

Governments and the media have a history of condemnation and demonization of artisanal gold mining without really properly understand the sector without offering solutions.

However, artisanal gold mining is now universally recognized by international agencies like the UN as a development opportunity and a huge source of rural employment and wealth generation.

The modern sector of artisanal gold mining has been strong for some 40 years and because of the jobs it provides poor rural areas, it is clear that it will continue.

In fact, it is probably stronger than the industrial sector of gold mining, which it is much more susceptible to fluctuations in gold prices.

In this context, the government and industry should help artisanal gold mining to improve their environmental and social performance to allow maximize its role of reducing poverty.

Need help and support to enter the formal economy, where you can become a responsible sector and help finance a diverse and sustainable rural economy.

And this is where comes the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC). The Artisanal Gold Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving opportunities, the environment and health of the millions of people involved in artisanal mining and small-scale gold in the developing world, and in doing so, we are helping to improve the integrity of the entire gold sector, from small to large.

Artisanal Gold Council (AGC)
In West Africa

Video  Artisanal Gold Mining In West Africa

Problems Solutions and Opportunities

Poisoned By Gold Rush In Colombia

Traditional mining in Colombia

Poisoned by GOLD RUSH It is to Remedios, a traditional mining town in the region of Antioquia, a rich gold country in northern Colombia.

Mining has always been one of the main activities of the region, but in recent years the sector is booming.

A recent increase in the value of gold and the government's fight against coca cultivation led to unprecedented demand for the precious ore.

Today, gold is quickly becoming the new cocaine in Colombia. The explosion flooded the country of cash, sex, alcohol and debauchery.

But the exposure of children to mercury cheap technology to extract gold, had a negative impact.

In particular, many children find them selves powerless today. There is a problem of impotence in the region? It is a problem. It is usually attributed to mercury pollution in the region.

To meet the growing demand for gold, the number of underground mines exploded. Today, mercury pollution has become a serious problem in this region of Colombia. The mines destroy the jungle, dry rivers, and discharge of harmful pollutants in nature.

Today, about 80 percent of the gold mined in Colombia comes from these mines some of which help finance the guerrillas, and criminal or paramilitary groups.

It is a disputed territory for many years, and armed rebel groups trying to control the territory, because, of course, the wealth of natural. Illegal mining operations bring in about $ 2.

Traditional mining in Colombia

Gold grain for traditional mining in Colombia

5 billion a year, and are now more profitable than cocaine trade for Colombian armed groups, managing or impose farms.

Per kilo, the value of gold is greater than that of cocaine, and as it is a legal product, it is easier to sell. This is why young people like Didier Perea flock to the mines in the hope of making a fortune. 

Recently it became a business because there are mines where you start working and the salary minimum is very good.

Addict ? Yes, because sometimes we find gold, you take a barrel, washed and wins up to 5 million Colombian pesos (1,485 euros) for this piece, so inevitably it motivates us, and It gradually becomes addicted.

In this type of small-scale operations, Minors use mercury to separate gold from other materials. They are in constant contact with such a toxic material that even low levels of exposure can damage the nervous system.

Chronic mercury poisoning can cause organ failure and even death. For over 100 years this method is banned in the United States. 

Survey Mining In Afghanistan

Commercial drill rigs are a rare sight in Afghanistan. Problems affecting the country's infrastructure and instability have left mining projects in their infancy, but Afghanistan is a geological treasure trove.

"There is a working gold mine in Baghlan at the moment and in Sheberghan we've got gas and petrol. The north of Afghanistan has lots of mining opportunities.

In Jegdalek there are gemstones and in Mes Aynak there is copper, iron and chromium and other valuable minerals.

Drillers and geologists are among the first cohort of trainees from the Afghanistan Geological Survey being taught by the US Dod Task Force for Business and Stability Operations. The students are gaining the skills they need to explore and exploit the country's resources,by training in modern explorative techniques.

The next step for these drillers will be to push out into the country's mountains. Hope is that security will improve still, because there is still some insecurity in some of Afghanistan's provinces.

If the security improves, they will be able to go freely everywhere in Afghanistan to conduct surveys.

"And if Afghanistan's security does improve, the Afghan government will be first in line to exploit the nearly 3 trillion dollars of resources lying in its hills and mountains.

It's hoped that the mining sector could become one of the Afghan economy's strongest assets.

"There has effectively been a hiatus of exploration activity in Afghanistan largely on account of the security issues, for perhaps around 20 to 25 years.

The Russians in the mid-1970s did a considerable amount of work, but after the invasion and through the eighties, nineties and now in the first part of the century there hasn't been that much work done.

So there fore within the donor community there has been a great push to provide technical expertise to build capacity within the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and within the Afghan Geological Survey to help the Afghans help them selves and to develop their mineral resources and to exploit those resources for profit.

" Afghanistan's Geological Survey team will have an opportunity to play a vital part in their country's economy.

Much hinges on a long-awaited mining law to be passed ensuring the country's resources are fairly and legally exploited.

Video Survey Mining for minerals in Afghanistan