A 20 tons per hour (tph) alluvial and hard rock gold processing plant is designed to effectively process and extract gold from both alluvial (placer) deposits and hard rock (lode) deposits. Here's a brief overview of what such a plant typically entails:
Components of the Plant:
-
Feeding System:
- Hopper: A robust hopper to receive material, usually equipped with a grizzly to screen out large rocks.
- Feeder: A conveyor or vibrating feeder to ensure consistent material feed to the processing units.
-
Scrubbing and Screening:
- Trommel or Scrubbing Unit: To disintegrate clays and ensure the gold is effectively liberated from other materials.
- Screen: To classify materials by size, separating fine particles from larger ones.
-
Concentration System:
- Jig Concentrator: Effective for rough separation of gold and other heavy minerals.
- Shaking Table: For fine concentration of gold, providing a high-grade concentrate.
- Spiral Concentrator: Another option for gravity separation.
-
Crushing and Grinding (for hard rock processing):
- Jaw Crusher: For primary crushing of hard rock.
- Ball Mill or Hammer Mill: For secondary crushing and grinding, aiming to reduce the ore to a fine size suitable for extraction.
-
Chemical Processing (if required):
- Leaching System: Depending on the nature of the ore, cyanide or other chemicals might be used for gold extraction.
- Electrowinning or Merrill-Crowe Process: To recover gold from the solution.
-
Tailings Management:
- Tailings Disposal System: To handle the waste material generated after processing.
Key Benefits:
- Versatility: Capable of processing both alluvial and hard rock gold ores, providing flexibility in mining operations.
- Efficiency: Designed to maximize gold recovery rates while maintaining a high throughput.
- Mobility: In some designs, the plant can be modular and mobile, allowing it to be moved to different mining sites.
Installation and Operation:
- Site Preparation: Ensure a stable foundation and adequate space for all components.
- Power Supply: Ensure a reliable power source compatible with the plant's requirements.
- Water Supply: Essential for most gold processing methods, especially gravity and chemical separation.
- Expertise: Training for operators to manage and maintain the plant effectively.
For a more tailored setup, consultation with mining equipment manufacturers or gold processing specialists is recommended. They can provide insights specific to the type of ore, geographic conditions, and operational requirements.
