Application of Leaching Agitation Tanks in CIL and CIP Gold Processing

 Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) and Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) are the most dominant technologies in modern gold extraction. Leaching agitation tanks are the core equipment in both processes, directly affecting leaching, adsorption, and final gold recovery.

In CIL processes, leaching and activated carbon adsorption happen simultaneously in the same agitation tank. Slurry, cyanide, oxygen, and carbon are mixed uniformly. This requires leaching tanks to provide stable agitation, uniform aeration, and moderate shear force to protect carbon from abrasion. Double-impeller tanks are highly suitable for this working condition.

In CIP processes, leaching occurs first, followed by carbon adsorption in separate agitation tanks. Both leaching tanks and adsorption tanks require efficient mixing and stable circulation. Uniform dissolved oxygen improves leaching in the first stage; mild shear protects carbon in the second stage.

Traditional single-impeller tanks often cause carbon abrasion, uneven mixing, and low oxygen dissolution. This results in low recovery and high operational cost. Modern double-impeller leaching agitation tanks solve these problems effectively.

Key advantages in CIL/CIP include:

1. Stable up-down circulation prevents sedimentation and dead zones.
2. Low-speed, large-diameter impellers reduce carbon wear.
3. Hollow shaft aeration creates fine bubbles and high dissolved oxygen.
4. Wear-resistant impeller lining extends service life.
5. Low power consumption reduces production cost.

These advantages directly improve leaching rate and carbon adsorption efficiency. Many mines upgrading from single-impeller to double-impeller systems achieve significant recovery improvement.

Leaching agitation tanks are also widely used in heap leaching, agitation leaching, concentrate leaching, and silver ore processing. They adapt to various ore types and production scales.

With the development of the global gold mining industry, demand for efficient, energy-saving, and reliable leaching equipment continues to rise. Double-impeller leaching agitation tanks have become standard in high-efficiency CIL/CIP plants.

For mine investors and plant managers, understanding the application of leaching agitation tanks helps optimize process design, reduce investment risk, and maximize economic benefits in gold production.