The efficient extraction of gold and silver from ore is a complex process that requires precise chemical control and advanced processing techniques. Among the many reagents used in modern mining, Polyacrylamide (PAM) stands out as one of the most effective and widely applied mining chemicals. With excellent flocculating properties and adaptability to different ore compositions, PAM plays a critical role in improving separation, increasing yield, and reducing environmental impact throughout the gold and silver recovery process.
How Polyacrylamide Works in the Extraction Process
1. Ore Preparation
The process begins with ore crushing and grinding, during which the raw ore is reduced to a fine particle size suitable for leaching. This crushed ore is then mixed with water and lime to create a uniform slurry in a ball mill. The resulting slurry provides the foundation for downstream metallurgical operations such as sedimentation, leaching, and adsorption.
2. Sedimentation and Flocculation
The slurry is next introduced into a pre-leach thickener. This is where Polyacrylamide Flocculants are first added. PAM molecules help bind fine solid particles together, causing them to form larger aggregates or “flocs.” These flocs settle rapidly at the bottom of the thickener tank, resulting in a clarified liquid phase at the top. This step is essential for removing excess solids and improving the effectiveness of subsequent chemical processes.
3. Cyanide Leaching
After solid-liquid separation, the thickened slurry enters a series of leaching tanks. In these tanks, a cyanide solution is added to dissolve the gold and silver from the ore. PAM helps maintain optimal slurry consistency and improves the interaction between cyanide and mineral particles. This enhanced contact boosts leaching efficiency, enabling more gold and silver to be recovered from the same amount of raw ore.
4. Carbon Adsorption
Once the precious metals are dissolved into the solution, the slurry flows into carbon adsorption tanks. In this stage, activated carbon adsorbs the dissolved gold and silver from the solution. The use of polyacrylamide ensures that the slurry flows evenly and without clogging, allowing for better mixing and maximum adsorption. The more efficient this contact, the higher the recovery rate of the valuable metals.
5. Elution and Metal Recovery
The metal-loaded carbon is then separated and transferred to an elution system, where superheated water or a caustic cyanide solution strips the gold and silver from the carbon. The recovered solution, now rich in metal ions, is sent to a smelting facility for further refining. The remaining slurry—commonly referred to as tailings—is transferred to tailings ponds. Here, PAM is again used to settle remaining solids, clarify the water, and support safe, environmentally responsible storage of mining waste.
Advantages of Using Polyacrylamide in Gold Mining
✅ Higher Extraction Yields
Polyacrylamide flocculants can increase gold and silver recovery rates by more than 20%, according to mining process optimization studies. The improved separation efficiency leads to greater metal output and better utilization of ore resources.
✅ Faster Processing Time
By accelerating sedimentation and improving slurry flow, PAM helps reduce retention time in thickeners and tanks. This can lead to up to 30% faster processing, improving throughput and reducing operational downtime.
✅ Cost-Effective and Sustainable
Polyacrylamide usage helps minimize the amount of cyanide and other reagents needed, cutting chemical costs. Additionally, improved water recycling and lower chemical discharge contribute to environmentally sustainable mining practices, helping operations meet government regulations and environmental standards.
Reliable Supplier of Polyacrylamide for Mining Applications
As a professional supplier of water treatment chemicals and mining chemicals, we provide a full range of polyacrylamide products suitable for gold and silver ore extraction. Whether you need anionic, cationic, or non-ionic PAM, we offer:
- High-purity and consistent quality
- Technical support for dosage and application optimization
- Custom packaging and bulk delivery
- Competitive pricing and fast shipping
We also operate advanced laboratories and maintain strict quality control to ensure every batch meets your specific processing requirements.
Post time: Jul-23-2025