1.  The VAT leach system is available in 1250, 2500, 5000 and 7500 tpm modules. For larger tonnages, one can operate multiple 7500 tpm modules in parallel.

2.  You as the client construct the VAT leach tanks, solution tanks and other civils including the pad, to APT’s design. A full set of instructions and building plans will be provided by APT to facilitate this.

3.  APT supplies the carbon columns, Elu-X elution and electrowinning units and solution pumps. APT will also travel to site to commission the system.

4.  As the VAT leach tanks and solution tanks are built on site, the freight and import cost for the remaining equipment is significantly lower.

5.  The VAT leach system is very affordable, and is well suited to applications with lower grade ore, where a formal CIL setup is not feasible. There is still very much a place for CIL, particularly for larger tonnage applications, or where a fine grind is required to liberate the gold for recovery. (Note you cannot process fines in a VAT leach system, as the solution does not percolate freely).

6.  Performance in the VAT leach system is well above that achieved in heap leaching, even at the fine crush sizes of the heap leach feed.

7.  Should a feed preparation system be required for hard rock processing, APT’s JC Jaw Crusher and RD Impactor can be used to generate a sugar-like consistency with minimal fines. Testwork has shown the high energy within the RD Impactor also imparts micro cracks to the product, resulting in enhanced leaching rates and higher recoveries.

8.  To feed the above crushing circuit, the client will need to construct an elevated feed ramp to allow manual feeding of rock into the JC Jaw Crusher.

9.  For slurry handling, a series of troughs must be constructed after the RD Impactor for collection, settlement and dewatering of the solids before they are re-handled into the VATs. An easy process.

10.             A mechanical alternative is offered should the client prefer, consisting of a metered ore feed bin and conveyor to feed the crushing circuit, and a screw classifier to process the resulting slurry.

11.             If there is a significant proportion of free gold present, APT can also add a gravity module, consisting of GoldKachas (for the 1250 and 2500 tpm systems) or the GK-X concentrator (for 5000 and 7000 tpm systems) just after the RD Impactor, before the resulting solution goes to the VAT to recover the remaining gold.

12.             Existing tailings and generated tailings can be treated in the same VAT plant simultaneously, eliminating the need to cater to varying ore characteristics.

For further information, please email us on info@aptprocessing.com or contact us here.