Draft Tube Technology Glitters at Nevada Gold Mill

Author:

Mixing Equipment Co., Inc. 

The article highlights the Pinson Mining Company’s gold mill in Nevada, which introduced North America’s first carbon-in-pulp train using draft tube circulators for gold recovery. The system was designed to maximize gold adsorption while minimizing carbon attrition, achieving an impressive 85% recovery rate from finely ground ore. This innovative approach not only boosted efficiency but also enabled the mine to meet production goals and quickly recover its capital investment.

Key Learnings

• The Pinson Mining Company in Nevada pioneered the first carbon-in-pulp (CIP) train in North America using draft tube circulators.
• Draft tube technology provided efficient pulp mixing with reduced energy consumption and minimized carbon attrition.
• Gold recovery achieved an 85% yield, aligning with design expectations and confirming the effectiveness of the process.
• The finely ground ore (-200 mesh) and relatively clean composition made CIP technology well-suited for this operation.
• Proper design balance between adsorption efficiency and carbon preservation is critical to CIP success.
• Lightnin agitators and draft tube circulators optimized gold contact with carbon while lowering shear forces.
• The mine’s innovative process enabled rapid capital payback, even at lower gold prices.
• Collaboration between engineers, consultants, and equipment specialists was key to the project’s success.