Oro East Mining seeks patent on equipment that recycles water in gold mining
The patent-pending invention helps extract water from dry tailings during gold-mining production, and the invention aims to boost recycling and reuse of processed water. The process will advance mining-production technology in a more eco-friendly direction, especially in light of California's current drought.
Using cutting-edge technology, a conveyor system was created to remove water from mildly dry tailings through direct, concentrated sunlight. Water conservation also will optimize the processing facilities. By recycling water for reuse, the ivention will comply with sustainable and environmental mining practices.
The invention will direct sunlight to vaporize all water from the tailings, and the vapors subsequently will be condensed, collected and reused. The additional step reduces wear and tear on the filter press machine.
The solids that are dried can be disposed of by dry stacking, which is inexpensive and considered safe by EPA standards, as it won't affect the environment. Oro East Mining's invention stands to reduce the carbon footprint of the gold mining industry.