Electrowinning of Gold - a Helpful Guid for Electrowinning Process

What Is Electrowinning of Gold?

Electrowinning of gold (also called electroextraction) recovers gold by plating it onto a cathode from a solution of gold ions. (Wikipedia)

This method typically follows cyanide leaching and carbon adsorption (CIP or CIL), where gold is first dissolved and then adsorbed onto activated carbon before being eluted into a pregnant solution.

Why Choose Electrowinning?

Why choose electrolytic deposition? Under the right conditions, the recovery rate of electrolytic gold can usually exceed 95%. In addition, electrolytic deposition has a suitable operating voltage and temperature, and has lower energy costs than smelting methods. It is also environmentally friendly and reusable, and is easier to automate and save labor costs.

Step-by-Step Gold Electrowinning Process for Beginners

Prepare the Pregnant Solution

After desorption (elution) of gold from activated carbon, verify that your solution has the right gold concentration and a pH around 10 to optimize electrowinning of gold efficiency.

Set Up the Electrowinning Cell

Fill the cell with the prepared solution, install a stainless-steel or reticulated cathode and inert anode, and ensure all electrical connections are secure.

Apply Electric Current

Switch on the rectifier at a controlled low voltage (typically 2–5 V); gold ions migrate to the cathode and plate out as fine particles over several hours.

Recover and Refine Gold

Shut down power, remove the cathodes, and strip off the gold “slime” by smelting or acid wash; the resulting ingots can then be further refined for purity

Operation Safety Instructions (Must-Read for Newbies)

Gas masks must be worn:

trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide may be released during the desorption process.

Electrolytic cell maintenance:

Clean the anode plate monthly.

Inspect circuit insulation weekly.

Emergency treatment:

When gold liquid leaks, immediately neutralize it with 10% sodium thiosulfate.

In case of electric shock, cut off the power supply before rescue.

FAQ

Q: Can other metals be extracted at the same time?

A: Yes, but the parameters need to be adjusted:

When gold and silver coexist: the current density is reduced to 8A/m²

Pre-extraction is required for copper content exceeding 5g/L

Q: Is it suitable for small-scale mines?

A: Gekko Systems launches micro equipment: Minimum processing capacity: 50kg carbon/day. Power requirement: equivalent to home air conditioning

Future technology trends (latest in 2025)

Intelligent control system:

Real-time monitoring of gold ion concentration

Automatic adjustment of current intensity

New cathode material:

Carbon fiber cathode increases deposition efficiency by 15%

Zero wastewater system:

Israel has achieved a water recycling rate of 99.8%

Conclusion

By following these simple steps-preparation, electrolytic cell setup, current application and post-processing - even gold processing novices can confidently and successfully perform gold electrowinning.

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