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May 27, 2005
16 tons and what do you get? Around $100,000SPECIAL TO THE PVT
Refiner and process lead man Jeff Batt and process operator John Oliver expertly heated the processed solution containing ore from about a month's worth of mining and processing. The kiln reached approximately 2,300 degrees. It is estimated the energy used to heat the kiln is enough to heat the town of Tonopah for approximately one month. When the metals were molten hot the silver and gold separates from other materials in the compound. Once it is hot enough the excess material can be poured out, leaving the gold and silver in the bottom of the kiln. Once the molten sludge is poured out, Batt and Oliver were able to pour the dore bar. Once poured, the bar was cooled using water and slag was chiseled off. The bar was estimated to contain 55 percent gold and 45 percent silver before assay. Mineral Ridge ore generally produces at these percentages. The dore is then weighed and holes drilled in it to produce shavings for assay. The assay on Friday was conducted by the mine's chief metallurgist Wayne Colwell. The bar is stamped with identification numbers and is sold on the open market. Once sold the bar will be reprocessed to separate the gold and silver for jewelry and other uses. It is expected the most recent dore will be sold in Salt Lake City. |
