Fine carbon, loaded with gold, is generated from both the absorption circuit and elution circuits during the Carbon In Pulp (CIP) or Carbon In Leach (CIL) mineral recovery process. The fine carbon, once recovered, cannot be re-introduced into the process plant, and is consequently often a waste stream.
Some producers have the option of recovering value using third party toll treatment processors. However, the value which is returned is often marginal compared to the value of the metal contained within the carbon.
Other producers just stockpile fine carbon without an option for further treatment. Watercare Innovations’ approach to extracting the gold from the carbon involves on-site chemical treatment, upgrading and recovery, with a Watercare Innovations’ process that integrates seamlessly into the existing metal recovery processes. The recovered gold provides a revenue stream that is immediately available to the producer.