Gold Processing Applications
CNLITE reagents are proven across every major gold extraction process used in African mining — from large CIL plants to remote heap leach operations.
Select Process
Gold CIL / CIP Process
94–98%
Recovery Rate
12–36 hrs
Leach Time
10.0–11.5
pH Range
0.3–0.6 kg/t
Dosage
Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) and Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) are the most widely used gold recovery processes in Africa. Both involve leaching gold from ore slurry and adsorbing it onto activated carbon. CNLITE replaces sodium cyanide as the leaching agent with zero changes to the carbon circuit, electrowinning, or smelting stages.
How It Works
- 1
Ore is crushed and milled to a fine slurry (typically 75–80% passing 75 microns)
- 2
Slurry is conditioned with lime to achieve pH 10–11.5
- 3
CNLITE reagent is added at 0.3–0.6 kg/t to dissolve gold into solution
- 4
In CIL: activated carbon is added simultaneously to adsorb gold as it leaches
- 5
In CIP: leaching completes first, then carbon is added in a separate adsorption stage
- 6
Loaded carbon is stripped, gold recovered by electrowinning, and smelted to doré
CNLITE Advantages
Direct drop-in replacement — no circuit modifications required
Comparable gold recovery of 96–98% across all ore types
Eliminates cyanide detoxification of tailings (saves $5K–$15K/month)
No HCN gas risk — safer for workers in enclosed leach tanks
Simplified regulatory compliance and environmental reporting
Reduced insurance premiums and community liability
Suitable For
Free-milling oxide gold ores
Transitional ores
Gold-silver ores
Low-sulphide ores
Pre-treated refractory ores (post-roasting or POX)
Process Compatibility Overview
| Process | Recovery | Leach Time | Equipment Change | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIL / CIP | 94–98% | 12–36 hrs | None | Large-scale oxide & transitional ores |
| Heap Leaching | 70–85% | 30–90 days | None | Low-grade, remote, or ROM ore |
| Merrill-Crowe | 92–97% | 8–24 hrs | None | High-grade or silver-rich solutions |
| Flotation + Leach | 85–95% | 15–45 min | None | Sulphide & refractory ores |
Not Sure Which Process Applies to Your Operation?
Send us your ore type and current process details — our technical team will recommend the optimal CNLITE application at no cost.