How gold is extracted from rock?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Ethan Roberts
Works at the International Labour Organization, Lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
Hello, I'm an expert in the field of mineral extraction and processing. I have a deep understanding of the methods used to extract precious metals such as gold from various types of rocks. Let's delve into the process of how gold is extracted from rock.
Step 1: Mining
The first step in extracting gold from rock is mining. Gold can be found in two types of deposits: lode (vein) or placer deposits. Lode deposits are where the gold is contained within a rock formation, while placer deposits are where the gold has been washed out of the rock and is found in sand or gravel. Mining can be done through open-pit mining, where the overburden (waste rock and soil that covers the mineral deposit) is removed to expose the gold-bearing rock, or through underground mining, where tunnels are dug to reach the deposit.
Step 2: Crushing
Once the gold-bearing rock is mined, it is then crushed to break it down into smaller pieces. This is typically done using a jaw crusher or a hammer mill. The size of the pieces can vary, but they are usually reduced to the size of a small pebble.
Step 3: Grinding
After crushing, the rock is ground into a fine powder. This is done using a ball mill or a rod mill. The grinding process is important because it increases the surface area of the rock, making it easier for the gold to be extracted.
Step 4: Leaching
The next step is leaching, which involves using a chemical solvent to dissolve the gold out of the ore. The most common solvent used in this process is cyanide, although other chemicals can also be used. The gold-bearing rock is mixed with the solvent in a large tank, and the cyanide dissolves the gold, forming a gold-cyanide solution.
Step 5: Adsorption
Once the gold is in solution, it needs to be separated from the other materials. This is done through a process called adsorption. The gold-cyanide solution is passed over activated carbon, which is a form of carbon that has been treated to increase its surface area. The gold in the solution adheres to the carbon, effectively separating it from the rest of the materials.
Step 6: Stripping
After the gold has been adsorbed onto the carbon, it needs to be stripped off. This is done using a solution of zinc and sulfuric acid. The zinc displaces the gold from the carbon, and the gold is then collected in the solution.
Step 7: Electrolysis
The final step in the process is electrolysis. The gold is collected from the stripping solution and placed in an electrolytic cell. An electric current is passed through the cell, causing the gold to be deposited onto cathode plates. The gold is then removed from the plates and can be further refined if necessary.
This is a simplified overview of the process. There are many variations and additional steps that can be included, depending on the specific type of gold-bearing rock and the desired purity of the final product. The process can be complex and requires careful management to ensure the safe handling of chemicals and the protection of the environment.
Step 1: Mining
The first step in extracting gold from rock is mining. Gold can be found in two types of deposits: lode (vein) or placer deposits. Lode deposits are where the gold is contained within a rock formation, while placer deposits are where the gold has been washed out of the rock and is found in sand or gravel. Mining can be done through open-pit mining, where the overburden (waste rock and soil that covers the mineral deposit) is removed to expose the gold-bearing rock, or through underground mining, where tunnels are dug to reach the deposit.
Step 2: Crushing
Once the gold-bearing rock is mined, it is then crushed to break it down into smaller pieces. This is typically done using a jaw crusher or a hammer mill. The size of the pieces can vary, but they are usually reduced to the size of a small pebble.
Step 3: Grinding
After crushing, the rock is ground into a fine powder. This is done using a ball mill or a rod mill. The grinding process is important because it increases the surface area of the rock, making it easier for the gold to be extracted.
Step 4: Leaching
The next step is leaching, which involves using a chemical solvent to dissolve the gold out of the ore. The most common solvent used in this process is cyanide, although other chemicals can also be used. The gold-bearing rock is mixed with the solvent in a large tank, and the cyanide dissolves the gold, forming a gold-cyanide solution.
Step 5: Adsorption
Once the gold is in solution, it needs to be separated from the other materials. This is done through a process called adsorption. The gold-cyanide solution is passed over activated carbon, which is a form of carbon that has been treated to increase its surface area. The gold in the solution adheres to the carbon, effectively separating it from the rest of the materials.
Step 6: Stripping
After the gold has been adsorbed onto the carbon, it needs to be stripped off. This is done using a solution of zinc and sulfuric acid. The zinc displaces the gold from the carbon, and the gold is then collected in the solution.
Step 7: Electrolysis
The final step in the process is electrolysis. The gold is collected from the stripping solution and placed in an electrolytic cell. An electric current is passed through the cell, causing the gold to be deposited onto cathode plates. The gold is then removed from the plates and can be further refined if necessary.
This is a simplified overview of the process. There are many variations and additional steps that can be included, depending on the specific type of gold-bearing rock and the desired purity of the final product. The process can be complex and requires careful management to ensure the safe handling of chemicals and the protection of the environment.
2024-05-19 13:45:41
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Works at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Lives in Rome, Italy.
Removing the gold-bearing rock from the ground is just the first step. To isolate pure gold, mining companies use a complex extraction process. The first step in this process is breaking down large chunks of rock into smaller pieces. ... Leaching dissolves the gold out of the ore using a chemical solvent.
2023-06-14 18:29:38
Scarlett Davis
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Removing the gold-bearing rock from the ground is just the first step. To isolate pure gold, mining companies use a complex extraction process. The first step in this process is breaking down large chunks of rock into smaller pieces. ... Leaching dissolves the gold out of the ore using a chemical solvent.
