Gold is mined in the form of microscopic particles in concentrations as little as 0.5 parts per million (ppm). As a result, simple tools have been replaced by complex equipment and chemical processes to extract gold. Today, one of the most popular methods for gold extraction is the Merrill Crowe process.
Overview of the Merrill-Crowe Process
The Merrill-Crowe process consists of several key steps:
- The zinc, cyanide and gold ore are mixed
- The gold has an affinity to the zinc and cyanide particles and forms deposits on the surface of the zinc
- The zinc and gold particles are then filtered out using a filter press that has precoat of diatomaceous earth or perlite
Xylem's Solution
Xylem’s filter presses are the natural choice for remote operations with demanding conditions, where rock-solid dependability is paramount. They feature application-specific designs for the precise requirements of the Merrill Crowe process.
By leveraging the Merrill-Crowe process with Xylem’s advanced filtration solutions, mining operations can achieve higher gold recovery rates and enhance overall productivity.
Filter presses are essential in the Merrill-Crowe process, as they efficiently separate the zinc sludge from the clarified solution, ensuring high recovery rates of gold and silver
