Activated Carbon for Gold Recovery

Modern gold mining is unthinkable without the use of activated carbon. This technology replaced the old methods of amalgamation and mercury extraction, which were both toxic and inefficient. The use of carbon sorbents makes it possible to recover gold from activated carbon much faster and safer. The main advantages of the method are high selectivity, the possibility of repeated regeneration of the sorbent, and reduced environmental impact.

The Role of Activated Carbon in Gold Mining

Activated carbon plays a key role in the modern hydrometallurgical process. In the cyanidation technology, ore is treated with a cyanide-containing solution, allowing gold to pass into the liquid phase. Next, gold adsorption on activated carbon is applied: valuable metals are reliably fixed within the pores of the carbon granules.

Thus, the use of cyanides in gold mining is directly linked to the application of activated carbon. Without it, the process would be far less efficient, and gold losses during ore processing would be significantly higher.

Gold Adsorption onto Activated Carbon

Gold adsorption is the process of absorbing and retaining gold ions on the surface and within the micropores of the carbon sorbent. In industrial operations, gold adsorption onto activated carbon is carried out in adsorption columns or special mixing tanks.

Factors influencing efficiency:

  • Carbon structure – the higher the surface area and the more developed the micropores, the more gold is retained.
  • Solution concentration – optimal cyanide and gold content increases binding efficiency.
  • Process conditions – temperature, pH, and contact time determine the rate and completeness of adsorption.

As a result, gold adsorption with activated carbon ensures high recovery even at low concentrations of precious metals.

Gold Desorption from Activated Carbon

The next stage of the technology is gold desorption – the process of extracting the metal already fixed on the carbon. Gold desorption from activated carbon is carried out by various methods:

  • Heat and pressure method – gold is washed off the carbon with hot alkaline solutions.
  • Electrolysis – gold is deposited onto the cathode from the desorbed solution.
  • Chemical reagents – the use of special leaching mixtures to accelerate the process.

Each method has its own advantages: high speed, low cost, or the possibility of regenerating the sorbent. The only limitations may be equipment complexity or reagent consumption.

Advantages of Activated Carbon in Gold Recovery

The method of extracting gold using activated carbon has become widespread due to several advantages:

  • High selectivity – carbon preferentially absorbs gold, reducing losses.
  • Cost-effectiveness – the process requires fewer reagents compared to older technologies.
  • Regeneration – activated carbon can be reused multiple times while maintaining efficiency.
  • Environmental friendliness – minimization of toxic waste and reduced environmental impact.

These features make activated carbon an indispensable material in modern gold mining.

Industrial Applications

Today, gold adsorption and desorption technology is used:

  • at gold processing plants during ore treatment;
  • in concentrate beneficiation;
  • in hydrometallurgical shops for additional metal recovery.

Global practice shows that activated carbon ensures stable results even at mines with low gold content.

Development Prospects

Future prospects for the technology include:

  • development of new types of carbon with improved structure;
  • implementation of automated process control systems;
  • increased energy efficiency of desorption methods.

All this makes the process more cost-effective and technologically advanced.

Conclusion

Activated carbon is the optimal sorbent for gold recovery. Thanks to the combination of gold adsorption and subsequent desorption, high processing efficiency is achieved. This approach ensures stable results, reduces costs, and makes gold mining more environmentally friendly.

We can promptly supply any quantity of activated carbon for your production needs. Leave a request on our website, email us at info@kryptonium.com or call us at +7 391 215 1511 – our managers will contact you as soon as possible.