Tag Archives: gravity concentration

FLSmidth takes gravity separation to a new level with Knelson GX Concentrating Cone

Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Precious metals, Water management, , , , , , ,

The latest innovation in semi-continuous gravity separation from FLSmidth is delivering a key breakthrough in performance that increases recovery and cuts maintenance downtime, according to the OEM.

For decades, Knelson gravity concentrators have been recognised for their recoveries of gold and precious metals, but the development of the new Knelson GX Concentrating Cone is set to take this performance a step further.

The new patented GX Cone delivers impressive recovery enhancements due to enhanced water distribution within each ring, according to the company.

FLSmidth explains: “As water enters from the base, it flows through zone separator nozzles for a customisable fluidisation profile. This allows for even distribution of water in each ring; the new design also significantly increases the active recovery surface area. The result is a step change in overall coarse and fine gold recovery.”

Test data shows that gold recovery in all size fractions, from course to fine, improved significantly with the GX Cone, according to the company.

By incorporating an advanced distribution of fluidisation water across the entire concentrating cone, the Knelson GX facilitates the highest possible recovery of coarse and fine gold. At the same time, balanced water distribution across the concentrating cone allows for a significant reduction in fluidisation water requirements while improving recovery.

The third major benefit of the Knelson GX is easier maintenance. Because it is made of a customised, abrasion-resistant and durable polyurethane compound, maintenance frequency and operational costs are significantly reduced, FLSmidth says.

Mike Lefler, Head of Global Product Line Manager for Precious Metal Recovery at FLSmidth, said: “The new Knelson GX Concentrating Cone is the culmination of over 40 years of research and operational experience and is exciting news for our customers. It delivers a win-win-win scenario: better recovery, less water use and less downtime due to easier maintenance.

“In short, it helps customers produce more with less resources – a central tenet of our MissionZero ambition to cut water and energy waste in mining by 2030.”

Classic Minerals enlists Gekko gravity unit for processing Kat Gap gold

Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , ,

Western Australia-focused gold exploration and development company Classic Minerals says it has secured a Gekko gold gravity processing plant to be used for future on-site processing of gold ore at its Kat Gap gold project.

Kat Gap, around 120 km southeast of Southern Cross, Western Australia, has an existing 93,000 oz JORC resource with strong exploration upside and scope for high grade open-pit mining, the company says.

Gekko is a leader in the manufacture of gold processing plant and machinery with its plants boasting small footprints and low environmental impact.

An added attraction to Classic is that the Australia-made Gekko plant is modular and mounted on containerised elements providing for scalability and ease of modification, it said. The plant has a 30 t/h capacity and is scalable to a Gekko Python plant (pictured) with a processing capacity of 250 t/h, Classic added.

“Also, the mobility associated with the modular construction enables Classic to locate the plant adjacent to the orebody, which further minimises cartage and processing costs,” it said.

Classic’s purchase is for a two-stage gravity concentration plant from Gekko, which will be provided fully refurbished to new condition. The two-part plant will form the basis of the processing facility to be set up and operated by Classic at Kat Gap.

The company said: “Classic is now on track to set-up, commission and test the Gekko plant and commence processing of the gold rich ore at Kat Gap. The Gekko plant is ideally suited to processing Kat Gap ore, which has a unique high gravity gold concentration. Classic will have the capability and capacity to commence production as soon as the mining approvals (MLA 74/249) have been granted.”

To provide an immediate revenue stream, Classic has also commenced negotiations to toll treat any initial parcels of ore from Kat Gap, while the full-scale plant is configured to suit Kat Gap ore, it added.