Mining services firm Gekko Systems has unleashed the Wolff Batch Centrifugal Concentrator, a new technology designed to transform gold processing by utilising “dirty” water.
By operating on ‘dirty water’ Gekko Systems’ latest innovation reportedly solves key water management issues for gold processing plants
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 increasingly enhancing water management practices while also improving efficiency, safety, and productivity. In some remote locations, mines face the challenge of having no or very limited access to fresh water.
Gekko Systems’ Wolff is a gravity-based batch centrifugal concentration (BCC) system the company says helps meet these challenges by enabling mines to operate using non-potable water, including both recycled and contaminated sources.
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, according to the company.
Cofounder and lead inventor at Gekko Systems Sandy Gray says water is a scarce commodity in the resources industry and mining operations are now looking for ways to reduce fresh water consumption.
“The Wolff enables mines worldwide to improve resource availability and recovery while enhancing sustainability through the use of recycled water,” Gray says.
Operational benefits of Gekko’s Wolff concentrator include it being tailored for dirty water usage with anti-plugging design features and segmented bowl; enabling water recycling in processing gold, reducing the need for fresh water; and reducing maintenance time and improves safety by eliminating the need for cranes to manage bowl changes.
Kaiser Reef [ASX:KAU] has partnered with Gekko Systems in a pilot project using the Wolff at its processing plant in Maldon, Victoria. The collaboration has so far improved gold recovery, decreased the stripping requirements of carbon, as well as reduced reagents consumption within the CIL circuit.
Dylan Morgan, processing manager at Kaiser Reef, says the company is entering into a new “high’grade” ore body that responds very well to gravity recovery.
“However, we have a small throughput, so it was difficult to 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,” Morgan says.
Gekko Systems is a global mining services firm in mineral processing, providing fully integrated solutions to mining companies around the world.
Over the past 26 years, Gekko has developed capabilities in design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of energy efficient mineral processing equipment and complete plants for a wide range of minerals including gold, silver, and polymetallics.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Gekko
