The Merrill-Crowe Process

The Merrill-Crowe Process is a separation technique for removing gold from a cyanide solution.

The solution is separated from the ore by methods such as filtration and counter current decantation (CCD), and then the gold is cemented by adding zinc dust, which precipitates the gold: zinc has a higher affinity for the cyanide ion than gold. Silver and copper may also precipitate. The precipitate is further refined, e.g., by smelting, to remove the zinc and by treating with nitric acid to dissolve the silver.

Also see:

• Other Gold cyanidation techniques:
  • Carbon in Pulp
  • Electrowinning
  • Resin in Pulp