MINING AND REFINING

Nuggets are less expensive to process because they are pure metal, but the costs of prospecting and extraction are higher. One of the stages of obtaining gold, silver and platinum is refining, which implies cleaning the metal from impurities.

Gold, silver and platinum mining in Russia

Russia is one of the world's leading miners of gold. This is due to the constant increase in the volume of valuable metal raised from the bowels of the earth. In addition, in terms of explored reserves, Russia ranks second in the world. The leading countries in gold mining are constantly changing, but often the first position is taken by Australia and China. In addition, the U.S. and Canada are active miners of precious metals. However, the share of Russia in global gold mining is constantly increasing.

The search for base metals is carried out in different ways depending on the landscape, the structure of the gold-bearing ore.

In addition, two sources of this metal are being considered:

• placer - these are precious particles that are found separately in nature, they are obtained literally from the stone, and are often closer to the surface;
• Nuggets - found at depth, they can be lifted by gold mining companies, not by individuals.

Gold mining in Russia is constantly developing, but there is also the possibility to produce other types of non-ferrous metals. For example, the world production of silver is 7%, which allows Russia to occupy the first position (4th place in the ranking of countries). Silver is extracted from ore. Deposits are developed in 22 places at once.

Silver can be found in various minerals, and its content is always different.

The development of platinoids and the extraction of platinum is considered separately. In part, this direction also supports the silver mining industry, along with zinc, lead, and gold deposits. The platinum group metals are found in sulfide copper-nickel deposits.

However, despite the fact that the mining process is established, this direction is not considered promising.

Brilliant metals are mined sequentially to get the right raw material. The main stages allowing to extract the precious metal from placer deposits:

1. Searching for signs of gold, evaluating the geology, landscape of the region, studying the map of the area and related factors.
2. Mining preparation works.
3. Performing stripping work.
4. Work with sand.
5. Development of placer deposits.
6. Ore processing operations that contain inclusions of precious metals.

Of greater importance are the methods of development of primary deposits. The work is carried out with mining ore. During the primary processing of such raw materials, the following methods are used: in-situ leaching and heap leaching.

Different techniques are used to clean minerals lifted from the ground. Effective methods:

• electrolysis;
• grouting;
• chemical deposition;
• sorption methods.

Such technology, as well as related equipment, makes it possible to obtain the precious metal from thiocarbamide, chloride and other media.

Nonferrous metal mining companies

Not all organizations involved in the mining industry have the opportunity to mine precious metals, but those that have received special permission from the regulatory authorities (a license). The disadvantage of the activities of such enterprises is the high intensity of environmental pollution. When mining, nitric acid, lead compounds, sulfuric acid and others pollute the ecosystem. Nowadays, there are quite a lot of companies mining silver, gold and platinum group metals, and each specializes in working with different minerals.

Gold refining at home

It is possible to get precious metal from computers (contained in them chips, processors), radio components, watches and other devices. Even a student can get some precious metals at home. You just need to find out how old the device is and whether it contains a lot of it. The methods that are used:

• Electrolysis: the technology is based on the extraction of gold from radio components in the home; first, the precious metal is dissolved by acid, then refined from impurities, which is achieved by means of an electric current;
• chemical exposure to acids.

Different substances are used for the recovery of gold, one option is oxalic acid, an alternative method is the use of iron sulfate. The method of chemical action is more dangerous, based on the use of acids. Step by step instructions:

1. It is necessary to make "royal vodka", for which use certain acids: nitric, hydrochloric acid in the right proportions.
2. The solution is poured over the items, the high gold content justifies the risk, which is quite high when working with corrosive media.
3. When the precious metal remains in the acid without impurities, it is extracted by filtration.
4. The container with the precipitated particles is filled with a soda solution. You can see how this stops the formation of bubbles on the surface
5. It is possible to smelt products of different shapes (ingot, coin), and the quality of the precious metal will not be lower than that of the primary material. Some of it is used for soldering.

In comparison, platinum refining is much less common because it is a more complex process.

First of all, they say it is difficult to clean the precious metal.

Silver refining with your own hands

Metal can be obtained from various parts such as boards, relays, mine starters. When choosing a cleaning method, ensure that the room is ventilated or move outdoors. One of the best options is to use an electrolyte. In this case, choose a substance that reacts less aggressively to silver - does not dissolve it. The duration of the procedure is substantial.

For example, it takes 24 hours to dissolve technical silver, and it can be quite a lot - 100 grams.

The second method is refining without acids. It requires a source of high temperatures, because melting will take place. As a result, an alloy will be formed from which silver chloride will be separated. It can be distinguished by the formation of white gas. In the last step, the reaction develops under water, the solution is filtered, combined with the catalyst, and after contact with the wire, the metallic silver is displaced. But components of sufficient volume should be used to get the desired result.

When making solutions it is necessary to ensure safety - ventilate the room, work, wearing protective equipment.

Metal detectors - legality of use, fines

A gold metal detector is one way to find metal in fields, on the sea and on the banks of rivers. It can be used by individuals for their own purposes. But the systematic use of such a device often turns simple interest into illegal gold mining. And the searchers are found several times a year during the warm season. However, there are peculiarities when using second-hand and new metal detectors: according to new legislative acts, if such devices are used in violation of the rules, they may be subject to a fine of up to 1 mln rubles.

There is also the risk of correctional work and the possibility of imprisonment for up to 6 years.