Minería de oro: Tecnologías de Extracción, Ventajas y Efectos

Abstract

Gold is an element with various industrial uses as electrical conductor in the microprocessor development or as a luxury item. Gold is naturally stored in veins or in alluvial deposits and therefore the technologies used for its extraction may vary. This review paper presents an analysis of the exploitation methods, technologies, advantages, and effects of gold mining, focused on the Colombia context. In the extraction of gold by alluvium, methods such as gravimetric concentration or batting, amalgamation and in a few cases distillation are highlighted, using motorized pumps, water monitors used for crumbling material, dredges, backhoes and bulldozers. Meanwhile, the vein gold extraction process highlights methods such as crushing, grinding, amalgamation and cyanidation, which employ technologies similar to the previous process with the difference of the use of furnaces and torches. The main advantage associated with gold mining is the source of economic incomes for millions of people. Unfortunately, the absence of government entities in charge of regulating mining activities and the inadequate use of their equipment and machinery seriously affect the environment and human health.