Importance

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Abstract

A mining system and related methods are disclosed by which gold and/or other heavy metals are recovered at multiple sites along a continuously hydrated ore processing route. The gold-bearing ore and primary or carrier water are dynamically and circuitously displaced to segregate the gold, and precipitate the gold particles into predetermined recovery sites along the flow path of the mix. Boil box recovery sites are selectively provided for recovery of nuggets and smaller gold particles. Secondary water churns and disrupts the primary carrier flow of the mix through each boil box. Each trough includes a dynamic segregation box having successive compartments across which a top layer of turbulent flow continuously occurs. Within each compartment, during use, a bottom layer of laminar flow takes place not only within each compartment, but from compartment-to-compartment. The laminar flow at the bottom of the trough is damped by yieldable blade elements, causing particles of gold accordingly to settle between the blades. A violent central, middle or immediate layer of revolving turbulent flow occurs within barrier-defined compartments between the top unobstructed turbulent layer and bottom laminar layer of trough flow. Within each compartment, eddy currents are enhanced by a whipping action caused by yieldable flaps or flap segments, The flaps or flap segments dynamically oscillate up and down with the flow of the mix through the trough. Slime or slit containing micro-fine gold is separated from trough-discharged waste solids and the slime is collected in at least one and preferably several clarifying-sedimentation ponds or reservoirs, from which water is reclaimed, recirculated, and reused.

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First Claim