Precious metal recovery

Precious metal recovery is a vital and environmentally responsible process that aims to extract valuable metals from various waste streams, thereby reducing the need for mining and conserving Earth's finite resources. This practice not only has significant economic implications but also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of mining operations.

Key Elements of Precious Metal Recovery:

1. Waste Sources: Precious metals can be found in various waste materials, including electronic waste (e-waste), catalytic converters, old jewelry, industrial scraps, and even in sewage sludge. The challenge lies in identifying and recovering these metals efficiently.

2. Extraction Methods: Recovery methods involve a combination of physical, chemical, and metallurgical processes. These methods can range from traditional smelting and refining techniques to more advanced and environmentally friendly methods, such as hydrometallurgy and bioleaching.

3. Environmental Benefits: Precious metal recovery contributes to a reduction in the environmental impact of mining activities. Mining for precious metals can be ecologically damaging, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the release of harmful pollutants. Recovering these metals from waste materials mitigates these adverse effects.

4. Resource Conservation: Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are finite resources. By recycling and recovering these metals, we can extend their life cycle, reduce the need for new mining operations, and conserve natural resources.

5. Economic Significance: Precious metal recovery presents a significant economic opportunity. Extracted metals can be reprocessed and used in various industries, from electronics and jewelry to automotive catalytic converters. This not only lowers production costs but also reduces the demand for newly mined metals.

6. Technological Advancements: Continuous research and development in precious metal recovery techniques have led to improved efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced metal purity. Modern technologies enable the extraction of even trace amounts of precious metals from complex waste streams.

7. Environmental Regulations: Many countries have implemented regulations to encourage precious metal recovery and recycling. These regulations aim to minimize the environmental impact of mining activities and promote responsible resource management.

8. Global Efforts: Governments, industries, and environmental organizations are collaborating to raise awareness about the importance of precious metal recovery. Initiatives such as "urban mining" and electronic waste recycling programs are gaining momentum worldwide.

Precious Metal Refining: Equipped with a state-of-the-art fire assay laboratory, advanced refining plant, and cutting-edge technology, CGR boasts the technical expertise to refine precious metal scrap of diverse purities. The refining process involves the treatment of precious metal-bearing alloys using a variety of methods, tailored to the specific metal content.

Leveraging sophisticated search and scanning techniques, we are committed to optimizing precious metal recovery for our valued customers, ensuring they receive the highest possible returns on their materials.

Our refining facility boasts a combined processing capacity of 500 kilograms per day or an impressive 150 tons annually. The raw materials that feed into our refinery encompass a wide range, including Doré, industrial waste, jeweler's scrap, bench sweeps, and precious metal articles sourced from government and financial institutions.

Our expertise in precious metal refining is underscored by the application of various refining techniques. We tailor our approach to the precious metal content of the materials received. This starts with Inquartation for low-grade alloys and extends to Aqua-regia for alloys with 80% gold content. For the pinnacle of purity, we employ electrolytic refining to attain a gold purity level of 999.9%.

At CGR, we're committed to delivering top-tier precious metal refining services, meeting the unique needs of our customers while ensuring the highest levels of quality and purity in the refined products.

The Precious Metal Refining Process: 

Smelting Gold Ore: Refining gold ore can be accomplished through an alternative method, involving the use of silica, soda ash, and borax. These chemical compounds are blended with the gold ore to create a dried precipitate, which is subsequently subjected to intense heat within a blast furnace. During this process, as the ore melts, impurities are extracted and contained in the slag that rises to the surface of the mixture. Meanwhile, the molten gold, with its higher density, sinks to the bottom. Upon cooling, the smelted ore reveals a layer of slag at the top, under which the pure gold can be found. This refined gold can then be further processed by placing it in a furnace, melting it, and pouring it into molds to create gold bars.

Production Outlook: Projections indicate a monthly production of approximately 1000 kilograms of gold, with a daily output ranging from 25 to 50 kilograms. Achieving this level of production requires the utilization of heavy machinery and the establishment of a robust infrastructure. However, the ambitious aim is to enhance production to a remarkable 150 metric tons, highlighting the commitment to expanding and optimizing the process to meet growing demands and secure a prominent position in the gold production industry.

Homogenization: Upon receiving the metal at our refinery, we initiate the refining process by meticulously weighing and coding the materials. Subsequently, the metal undergoes homogenization, where it is expertly melted using induction furnaces. This critical step ensures the creation of a uniformly mixed alloy. During this phase, samples are drawn, and we extend an invitation to our customers to observe the melting and sampling of their precious materials. Our melting facility is equipped with surveillance capabilities and other amenities that enable transparent recording of the entire processing of your precious metals.

Assaying: Samples extracted from the homogenized alloy bars are then forwarded to our NABL Accredited laboratory for assaying. We rigorously test these samples in accordance with IS 1418:2017 standards, maintaining the highest levels of quality assurance. Simultaneously, we secure a specimen sample for additional verification, which may be conducted at other similarly accredited laboratories, if required.

Fabrication: CGR is dedicated to providing the jewelry industry and commodities exchanges in India with serially numbered bullion bars. Our gold and silver bars are expertly cast using automated tunnel furnaces, adhering to the stringent technical specifications outlined by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for good delivery standards. This ensures that our ingots meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.