Core Operations & Technological Advancements

Placer Gold Exploration Techniques

Placer gold deposits, commonly found in alluvial environments shaped by rivers or glacial activity, require a multi-disciplinary exploration approach. We integrate geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and shallow drilling to identify and assess target zones with technical precision.

  • 🗺️ Geological Survey: Delineation of paleo-channels and sediment stratigraphy using field mapping and facies analysis.
  • 📡 Geophysical Methods: ERT and seismic refraction for profiling bedrock troughs; magnetometry for structural inference.
  • 🧪 Geochemical Sampling: Analysis of heavy mineral concentrates, gold grain morphology, and trace element anomalies.
  • 🛠️ Shallow Drilling: Auger, RC, and sonic drilling with trench verification to assess deposit continuity and grade.
  • 🏺 Heavy Mineral Testing: Traditional panning for quick in-field assessment of grain size, shape, and count.
  • 🚁 Remote Sensing & UAV: High-resolution drone photogrammetry and LiDAR modeling for paleo-hydrological reconstruction.
  • 🧭 3D Geological Modeling: Integration of all data into Surpac, Vulcan, or GIS for volumetric estimation and planning.
UAV Terrain Mapping

Figure: UAV-based terrain mapping and paleo-channel identification in placer fields

Mining Operations & Gold Recovery Technologies

⛏️ Mining Methods

  • Open-Pit: Bulk extraction using excavators; ideal for shallow, laterally extensive deposits.
  • Hydraulic Mining: Water cannon-based sediment mobilization; now rarely used due to regulation.
  • Dredging: Historic use of bucketline dredges in submerged or deep placer zones.

⚖️ Gravity Separation

  • Sluice Systems: Carpet-lined channels to separate gold via density-driven flow.
  • Shaking Tables: Ideal for fine-grained material; uses vibration and stratification.
  • Trommel + Sluice: Combines screening and flow-based recovery for high-volume operations.

🔁 Concentrate Upgrading

  • Centrifugal Concentrators: Falcon & Knelson for ultra-fine gold recovery using high G-force.
  • Smelting: Final refinement into dore bars using flux-based melting in induction furnaces.

🌱 Environmental Compliance

  • Adherence to BC’s Placer Tenure and NoW permit process.
  • Use of sedimentation ponds and water recycling systems.
  • Mandatory land restoration and revegetation post-mining.
Placer Gold Processing Flow
Smart Placer Mining System

🔬 Modernization & Smart Mining Systems

  • 🚁 Autonomous UAV Mapping: High-resolution GPS/LiDAR-integrated drone mapping for terrain modeling.
  • 🧰 Integrated Mobile Plants: Modular, trailer-mounted systems with trommel, concentrator, and sluice integration.
  • 📈 Real-Time Monitoring: Particle size/gold content sensors integrated for on-site optimization.
  • ♻️ Green Innovations: Closed-loop water systems, dry tailings disposal, and low-impact site designs.

Smart Mining: Next-gen mobile recovery systems with onboard analytics and minimal footprint