A novel electrolytic system for gold recovery.

The results are presented of a laboratory study using a multi-purpose electrolytic system. The system is designed for the electrowinning of Au from high- or low-concentration Au cyanide solutions and/or from Au sludge, and to convert the recovered Au into a Au (alloy) electroform or electrode at the Au mine itself. The operations are carried out sequentially and in situ in the same electrolytic cell. Electrorefining of the Au recovered may also be carried out in the cell. The system may also be used for Ag and may be adaptable to base and platinum group metals. It can also be used in environmental applications to remove undesirable metals present in aqueous solution at very low concentration. A flow-sheet and description of the system are presented. Advantages include improved electrowinning kinetics and the potential to eliminate a number of the steps in the Au production route and to develop fully automated operations.
The results are presented of a laboratory study using a multi-purpose electrolytic system. The system is designed for the electrowinning of Au from high- or low-concentration Au cyanide solutions and/or from Au sludge, and to convert the recovered Au into a Au (alloy) electroform or electrode at the Au mine itself. The operations are carried out sequentially and in situ in the same electrolytic cell. Electrorefining of the Au recovered may also be carried out in the cell. The system may also be used for Ag and may be adaptable to base and platinum group metals. It can also be used in environmental applications to remove undesirable metals present in aqueous solution at very low concentration. A flow-sheet and description of the system are presented. Advantages include improved electrowinning kinetics and the potential to eliminate a number of the steps in the Au production route and to develop fully automated operations.