How to Process Gold Concentrates
Refine black sand concentrates without mercury: drying, magnet use, careful panning, and storage.
Introduction
Clean concentrate handling maximizes your final recovery. This workflow separates black sands efficiently and keeps your gold safe.
Equipment and Materials
- Finishing pan, magnets, snuffer bottle
- Drying tray, vials, scale
Step-by-Step Instructions
1) Dry concentrates
Spread thin and let moisture evaporate for cleaner separation.
2) Remove magnetics
Use a magnet over paper to lift black sands without losing fines.
3) Finish pan carefully
Employ gentle micro-rinses; tap to walk gold up the pan for collection.
4) Store and document
Record weights and locations; store in labeled vials.
Pro Tips
- Use a blue finishing pan for contrast with fines.
- Keep a cleanup mat for easy recovery of spills.
- Weigh vials empty and record tare weights.
Common Mistakes
- Rushing micro-rinses and washing out fine gold.
- Skipping records—hard to analyze site productivity.
- Using magnets directly on concentrates—loses flour gold.
Troubleshooting
If losses persist, reduce material volume and switch to a finishing mat or miller table.
FAQ
Is mercury ever needed? No—use mechanical separation and patience.
How fine is too fine? Flour gold is recoverable with careful technique.
Conclusion
Disciplined cleanup turns concentrates into reliable, documented results.
Related guides: Choose a Gold Pan · Use a Sluice Box