California Department of Conservation

Placer Gold Recovery Methods - Special Publication 87 California Department of Conservation

This report provides practical, timely information on methods and equipment used in placer gold recovery. Included is detailed information on equipment, practices, recovery factors, efficiency, design, and, where available, costs. Selected gold recovery operations are described in detail. In addition, the reported efficiency and reliability of various types of equipment used today is presented. One notable method not described is the cyanide process, the recovery of gold through leaching with cyanide, a hazardous substance that must be handled with great care. The information presented herein applies to small as well as large placer mining operations. Recreational and independent miners will find information on available equipment and designs with some suggestions for improving recovery. Those intending to mine small to medium-sized placer deposits will find detailed descriptions of suitable equipment and recovery methods. Finally, those interested in byproduct gold recovery from sand and gravel operations...