This course covers the essential considerations for understanding and optimizing the electrowinning process in gold extraction, a critical final step in recovering high-purity gold from concentrated solutions.

It provides a detailed overview of the electrochemical principles, practical applications, and safety protocols involved, integrating theoretical foundations with real-world industrial practices.

The course consists of five modules, addressing the context of electrowinning within gold processing, key electrochemical concepts, cell design and configurations, optimization strategies, and safety considerations.

The course duration is equivalent to approximately 10 hours of viewing content, designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to enhance efficiency, ensure operational safety, and maximize gold recovery in electrowinning operations.

About the Audience

The course is suitable for both technical and non-technical learners. While prior knowledge of chemistry, mining, or plant operations is helpful, it is not required. The content is accessible and provides an introductory overview of gold electrowinning, with a focus on theory, context, and practical skills. It is especially valuable for those interested in process optimization, cost reduction, or safety compliance. Relevance spesifics:

• Engineers: Chemical, metallurgical, or process engineers aiming to optimize electrowinning, cell design, and efficiency.
• Operators: Plant technicians managing electrowinning cells, needing practical skills in operation, maintenance, and safety.
• Technical Managers: Supervisors overseeing gold processing, requiring insights for process and resource decisions.
• Non-Technical Managers: Professionals in strategic roles wanting foundational knowledge of electrowinning, costs, and safety.

About the Author

The author holds a B.Eng. degree in Metallurgy from the University of Pretoria (specialising in extractive metallurgy) and has over 20 years of experience in the mining and metallurgical industry. He began his career at AngloGold Ashanti, progressing from management trainee to plant manager, with roles in both production and technical support across several gold plants, including international exposure at Sunrise Dam Gold Mine in Australia.

In 2006, he co-founded Stelios Project Management Pty Ltd, an EPCM consulting firm focused on mining and metallurgical projects. As Technical Director, he led process design, construction, and commissioning across gold, uranium, coal, and infrastructure projects.

He is also a co-founder of Stelios Group NPC, an NGO focused on community development, where he oversaw operations across projects in education, orphan care, and skills development. His combined expertise bridges technical expertise with a commitment to sustainable and community-driven development.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain electrowinning’s role within gold processing and its relation to extraction process technologies.
2. Understand key electrochemical concepts—redox reactions, Nernst equation, Gibbs free energy, and Pourbaix diagrams—to optimize electrowinning systems.
3. Describe factors affecting efficiency, distinguishing kinetic and mass transfer limitations using diffusion, current density, flow rate, pH, and temperature principles.
4. Describe electrowinning cell components and configurations and evaluate their designs by evaluating trade-offs to optimize performance for different operational contexts and process requirements.
5. Identify and assess chemical, electrical, and gaseous hazards, recommending safety and risk mitigation measures appropriate to electrowinning systems.

Duration: 10 Hours

Category: Mineral Processing

Level: Advanced