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Enhancing Gold Recovery with SepGold® Resin-Based Technology
Enhancing Gold Recovery with SepGold® Resin-Based Technology
A Mobile Sorption Module Solution Using Seplite® Gold-Selective Resins
Project Background
Gold producers are increasingly challenged by declining ore grades, complex mineralogy, and operational constraints at remote or temporary mining sites. In particular, carbonaceous (“preg-robbing”) ores, high association with base metals, and the need for rapid deployment often limit the effectiveness of conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) or carbon-in-pulp (CIP) circuits.
To address these challenges, Sunresin developed the SEPGOLD® solution, a resin-based gold recovery technology that combines high-selectivity ion exchange resins with compact, modular process design. This case study highlights the application of a mobile sorption module for gold extraction, demonstrating how SEPGOLD® enables efficient, flexible, and high-performance gold recovery in demanding operating environments.
Customer Challenges
The customer faced several critical constraints common in modern gold operations:
- Preg-robbing behavior caused by natural carbon in the ore, leading to unstable and reduced gold recovery with activated carbon
- Limited infrastructure and space, making it impractical to install a full-scale fixed adsorption plant
- Requirement for rapid deployment to support pilot testing, early-stage production, or satellite deposits
- High operating costs associated with carbon elution, regeneration, and gold losses due to attrition and fines
These challenges called for a gold recovery solution that was selective, compact, energy-efficient, and operationally robust.
SEPGOLD® Solution
Sunresin implemented a SEPGOLD® mobile sorption module, integrating Seplite® gold-selective ion exchange resins into a containerized adsorption system designed for fast installation and flexible operation.
Key elements of the solution included:
- High-selectivity Seplite® gold resins, specifically engineered for adsorption of the Au(CN)2− gold cyanide complex, offering strong resistance to preg-robbing effects
- Resin-in-solution / resin-in-leach compatible design, enabling seamless integration with existing leaching circuits
- Modular, skid-mounted configuration, allowing rapid mobilization, minimal civil work, and easy relocation
- Low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure elution, significantly reducing energy consumption compared with carbon systems
Unlike activated carbon, the ion exchange mechanism of Seplite® resins binds gold ionically at fixed functional sites, preventing displacement by natural carbon and improving recovery stability even in highly carbonaceous ores.
Implementation and Operation
The mobile SEPGOLD® unit was deployed downstream of the leaching stage, where pregnant solution was contacted with Seplite® resins in a controlled adsorption circuit. Loaded resin was periodically transferred to the elution module, where gold was stripped using optimized chemical recipes and sent for downstream electrowinning.
The system required:
- Minimal installation time
- Low operator intervention
- No high-pressure or high-temperature equipment
- Stable performance under fluctuating feed conditions
This made the solution particularly suitable for remote sites, pilot plants, and fast-track gold projects.
Results and Benefits
After commissioning, the SEPGOLD® mobile sorption module delivered measurable operational and economic benefits:
- Improved gold recovery, particularly on preg-robbing ores where carbon-based systems underperformed
- Higher working gold loadings on resin, reducing adsorption inventory
- Lower gold losses, thanks to excellent resin mechanical strength and reduced fines generation
- Reduced operating costs, driven by simplified elution, no thermal regeneration, and lower energy demand
- Operational flexibility, enabling relocation or scale-up as project requirements evolved
The customer achieved stable, high-efficiency gold recovery with a compact footprint and a significantly reduced capital and operating burden.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates how SEPGOLD®, powered by Sunresin’s Seplite® gold-selective resins, provides a modern alternative to conventional carbon-based gold recovery. By combining advanced resin chemistry with modular process engineering, SEPGOLD® enables mining operators to overcome preg-robbing challenges, reduce costs, and accelerate project timelines.
Whether for pilot testing, remote operations, or full-scale production upgrades, SEPGOLD® offers a flexible, proven, and future-ready solution for gold recovery.
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