World Placer Journal - 2001 - Volume 2, pages 36-49. | |
Hydraulic riffles combined with a trommel and rear stacker on a mobile skid-mounted wash-plant minimise impacts and maximise profits...  | ABSTRACT This paper describes the successful introduction into Mongolia of the New Zealand method of placer gold mining by Cold Gold Mongolia Ltd. (CGM), using a mobile screening plant and New Zealand-designed hydro-active riffled sluices. In 1999, CGM imported into Mongolia a 60m³/hour screening plant from New Zealand together with a complete set of mining equipment. The New Zealand plant operated successfully in the 1999 mining season, producing 37 kilos of gold in a 4-month scavenging operation from abandoned workings on the Toson Terrace in the Zaamar Goldfield. The site had been previously mined by a Mongolian company from 1993-96 using traditional Russian mining and washing methods. |
At the start of the 2000 season, CGM shifted operations to northern Mongolia and opened the Yalbag Mine. Difficulties included patches of frozen ground (permafrost) and inaccuracies in the usually reliable soviet exploration drilling records. The Yalbag Mine has operated successfully for 2 years, producing 113 kilos of gold. The introduction of New Zealand mining methods and New Zealand technology permitted high percentage gold recovery, 24-hours a day gold washing, same-day rehabilitation of mined-out areas, reduction of truck movements and efficient use of manpower. The paper draws attention to 2 features that merit attention by the Mongolian mining industry: a) the high percentage of gold recovery and b) the minimisation of environmental impacts and achievement of cost-effective environmental rehabilitation. | |
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