Curtin partners with Gekko for Carbon Scout rollout

Curtin University has announced a collaboration agreement with Victora-based Gekko Systems to commercialise new technology designed to make gold processing more efficient.

The Carbon Scout device, developed at Curtin, helps gold mine operators optimise process plant efficiency and reduce gold losses.

The machine improves the accuracy and consistency of carbon concentration measurements in carbon-in-leach and carbon-in-pulp circuits.

It also improves safety by reducing operator exposure to cyanide and other hazards.

Curtin has partnered with Gekko, a Victorian company co-founded by Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, which develops equipment for the resources sector including gold processing technology and energy-efficient modular plants.

Gekko has licensed the Carbon Scout technology from Curtin, and will be responsible for the marketing, manufacture, sales, and aftermarket support of the product.

Carbon Scout is being trialled first at mine sites operated by AngloGold Ashanti.

“Initial indications during the development of the Carbon Scout are promising in meeting the requirements for accurately and consistently measuring carbon concentrations in our CIL circuit,” AngloGold project metallurgist Chris Ypelaan said in a statement.

“Better carbon management through automation of carbon forwarding pumps will help to minimise gold solution losses and will require less input from operators allowing them to better use their time in other areas.”