Techniques For Gold Placer Panning

Description And Advantages

Engineers of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines have developed improved techniques for small-scale gold panning operations in terraces and residual gold placers.

The technique requires that sluice boxes with cloth linings be placed along artificial water channels and a main creek.

The technique involves the following steps

• Weathered rock is broken by pick and crowbar and water under pressure
• Water and loose material are forced through artificial channels
• Gold is caught between rifflers of sluice boxes which are positioned where there is increased water velocity
• Boxes are removed and cloth linings washed in basins or wooden pans for final separation of light components from heavy minerals
• Heavy minerals are placed in pans ready for addition of mercury to form amalgam for gold recovery

The technology is claimed to be mature and ready for transfer at terms to be discussed with interested parties.

The MGB was set up to develop technologies for transfer to industry.

For more information, contact

The Director
Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau
North Avenue, Diliman
Quezon City, Philipipines
Tel: (632) 928-8937;
Fax: (632) 920-1635

Source

Global Business Oppertunities, May-June 2002