Sunergy, Inc. (fka SNEY)

[falon]

iCON SB 150 Enhanced Gravity Concentrator (Part 2)


BAT and iCON centrifuge

http://www.iconcentrator.com/images/stories/pdf/centrifuges-modified-iCON-2-opt.pdf

Operational factors


Operational advantages:

? lower capital cost compared to most other gold centrifuges;
? moderate operating cost (spares, pumps and electrics);
? almost a complete gold recovery system, rather than just a centrifuge;
? fairly easy to transport (e.g. Drum Version is packed in a 45-gallon metal drum);
? black sand is kept fluidised at all times, ensuring gold can settle;
? very high % gold recovery, especially of fine gold;
? able to deal with significant amount of suspended clay; and
? low water consumption.


Operational disadvantages:

? capital cost is low but often out-of-reach of individual artisanal miners;
? feed is smaller than 2mm, requiring a coarse separator in front; or
? only using the device for processing fine sand and concentrates.
? the concentrate requires further upgrading to recover the gold;
? only batch discharge by stopping the unit for flushing out the concentrate;
? simpler than most centrifuges but still technically demanding for some users; and
? intensive training and supervision of operators is essential.

Environmental factors

? risk to topsoil resource: not a factor.
? risk to mineral resource:
? exceptionally high % gold recovery, even if the gold is very fine;
? still good % gold recovery if pay gravel is clayey and clay is not fully disaggregated;
? waste black sand may be saleable by-product; but
? risk of dust generation: not a factor; but risk of dumped black sand blowing in wind!
? risk of sheet runoff and effluent discharges:
? low water consumption, therefore less effluent to manage; and
? reduces or eliminates need for surfactants.
? risk to surface waters: low water consumption.
? risk to biodiversity: not a factor.
? risk of poor land reclamation: not a factor (and can be part of mobile mining system);
? risk of heavy metals in doré bars: no additional risk from this method.

Key factors for BAT determination:
? % gold recovery is exceptionally high, better than for many other gravitational devices;
? able to perform adequately even if some clay in the slurry;
? unable to process coarse gravel, therefore pre-treatment is required;
? more affordable than most other gold centrifuges;
? capable of out-competing mercury for fine gold recovery;
? amenable to incorporation in a fully mobile wash-plant;
? amenable to incorporation in a concentrate upgrading system; and
? care is needed in disposal of waste tailings due to possible risk from heavy metals.

BAT conclusion
iCON concentrators are:
? BAT for artisanal gold production and prospecting
? BAT for recreational gold miners
? BAT for industrial recovery of fine gold


CURRENT VERSION - iCON SB 150 Enhanced Gravity Concentrator


Gold recovery by iCON (made in Canada)