CIP (Carbon-in-Pulp) process is the core of the carbon-in-pulp gold extraction process. It achieves efficient gold recovery by directly adsorbing gold from cyanide slurry using activated carbon. Specifically:
I. Process Definition and Principle
CIP (Chemical-in-Pulp) gold extraction process uses activated carbon to adsorb gold-cyanide complexes, eliminating the washing and clarification steps of traditional processes, simplifying the process and reducing costs.
II. Process Steps
Leaching Slurry Preparation: The ore is crushed and impurities are removed to prevent clogging of the carbon screen.
Cyanide Leaching: The reagent is stirred during leaching to dissolve the gold.
Activated Carbon Adsorption: The slurry is introduced into the adsorption tank, where activated carbon adsorbs gold to form gold-loaded carbon.
Gold-Loaded Carbon Desorption: The gold-loaded carbon is separated and desorbed, displacing the gold complexes.
Electrochemical Recycling for Gold Sludge: Gold sludge is recovered by electrochemical recycling of the precious metal solution.
Gold-Removing Carbon Recycling: The activated carbon is regenerated and recycled.
Leaching Slurry Treatment: The cyanide-containing slurry is treated before discharge.
III. Technological Advantages
High Adaptability: Applicable to sulfide ores, oxide ores, and mixed ores.
Simple Operation: Fewer equipment, shorter process, and fewer operators required.
High Cost-Effectiveness: Low investment and low cost, suitable for large-scale production.
IV. Comparison with Other Processes
CIL (Carbon-In-Liquid) : Leaching and adsorption are simultaneous, resulting in a simpler process. However, CIP reduces impurity interference through step-by-step optimization.
CCD (Continuous Countercurrent Decanting): CIP saves 25%–50% on investment and reduces production costs by 5%–35%.
The CIP process can achieve a recovery rate of over 90% in low-grade gold ore processing, making it the preferred solution for modern gold ore beneficiation.
