SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES
Critical separation
Gravity
, magnetic and other specialised mineral separation technologies are very much to the fore with today’ s focus on critical minerals, reports Paul Moore
While flotation grabs a lot of the
Winnovation attention when it comes to mineral separation flowsheets – other separation technologies like gravity and dense media separation plus magnetic separation often play a crucial role as well, particularly in relation to critical minerals. This is a combination of technologies that have been around for many years but are being applied to a greater extent, plus new innovations are also emerging all the time.
Last November, Gekko Systems launched the Wolff Batch Centrifugal Concentrator, a groundbreaking technology designed to transform gold processing by utilising“ dirty” water. This‘ first of its kind’ innovation enables mining companies to recycle water efficiently
, addressing water stewardship and enhancing sustainability, while reducing maintenance costs and requirements.
The mining industry is committed to enhancing water management practices while also improving efficiency
, safety, and productivity. In
The Gekko Wolff Batch Centrifugal Concentrator
some locations, mines face the challenge of having no or very limited access to fresh water
.
The Wolff gravity-based, batch centrifugal concentration( BCC) system helps meet these challenges by enabling mines to operate using non-potable water, including both recycled and contaminated sources.
“ Water is a scarce commodity in mining and mining operations are now looking for ways to reduce fresh water consumption,” said Sandy Gray, Co-Founder and Lead Inventor at Gekko Systems.“ The Wolff enables mines worldwide to improve resource availability and recovery while enhancing sustainability through the use of recycled water.”
Traditionally
, maintaining batch centrifugal concentrators( BCC) involves complex and costly procedures, characterised by significant downtime and safety risks associated with crane operations. The Wolff transforms this process with its unique patented bowl design, reducing maintenance time and eliminating the need for cranes during bowl changes, resulting in a significantly safer working environment for mine personnel.
Kaiser Reef recently partnered with Gekko Systems in a pilot project using the Wolff at their processing plant in Maldon, Victoria. The collaboration is yielding exceptional results, including improved gold recovery, a decrease in the stripping requirements of carbon, as
well as a reduction in reagents consumption within the CIL circuit.
Kaiser Reef is entering into new high grade ore body that responds very well to gravity recovery.“ However, we have a small throughput, so it was difficult to
Holman Wilfley shaking table at Barruecopardo tungsten mine, Spain( courtesy Saloro)
use traditional gravity concentrators due to the volume of water required. Using Gekko’ s new Wolff BCC technology we have been able to install the unit using process water enabling us to improve recovery and reduce operating costs,” said Dylan Morgan, Processing Manager, Kaiser Reef.
Sandy Gray is appreciative of the support of Kaiser Reef:“ It has been fantastic that Kaiser Reef’ s vision and management focus has allowed us to install new technology into their circuit. We appreciate the support that Kaiser Reef has shown Gekko that has allowed us to take the new Wolff technology to a new level so that it is now market ready
. We’ re looking forward to witnessing its impact in the mining industry.”
Summarising its operational benefits, the Gekko Wolff Concentrator is tailored for dirty water usage with anti-plugging design features and a segmented bowl. It enables water recycling in processing gold, reducing the need for fresh water. It also reduces maintenance time and improves safety by eliminating the need for cranes to manage bowl changes; and has low head height requirements for installation.
Knelson gravity concentrators: maximising gold recovery and efficiency
Amid global market volatility and record-high gold prices, FLS’ s Knelson gravity separation group has been collaborating with producers to maximise the potential of their operations. Increased gold, prices has meant the use of gravity concentrators in polymetallic operations, even those with minimal gravityrecoverable gold can significantly improve profitability by integrating compact, efficient gravity circuits. These circuits not only recover
26 International Mining | APRIL 2025