extractives
Mining is a critical industry with a significant impact across multiple sectors, providing essential raw materials for a variety of industries.
Gapuma supports the extractives industry by supplying a comprehensive range of chemicals for ore processing and waste treatment
With strategically positioned warehouses and an efficient supply chain infrastructure, we ensure our customers receive timely deliveries, enabling uninterrupted production processes and operational efficiency.
Products we Deliver​
Sulphuric Acid used in leaching and processing ores, particularly for copper and uranium extraction, and in some gold recovery processes.
Hydrochloric Acid used in ore processing and metal refining to dissolve impurities and separate valuable minerals.
Cyanide, typically in the form of sodium cyanide, is the most widely used chemical in gold extraction. It’s used in a process called cyanidation or cyanide leaching.
Cyanide forms a complex with gold, allowing it to dissolve from the ore. This solution is then further processed to recover the gold.
Cyanide is highly toxic, and its use requires strict safety protocols and environmental regulations to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling.
These chemicals are used in the froth flotation process, which separates valuable minerals from ore.
Collectors enhance the hydrophobicity (water-repelling nature) of gold particles, allowing them to attach to air bubbles. Examples include xanthates.
Frothers create stable froth that carries the gold-bearing particles to the surface for collection. Examples include pine oil and alcohols.
Modifiers adjust the pH or other chemical properties of the slurry to optimize the flotation process. Examples include lime and soda ash.
- Lime (Calcium Hydroxide): Used to adjust pH levels in various stages of gold processing and as a depressant for pyrite in flotation. Â Â
- Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): Used to adjust pH levels and in some leaching processes.
- Caustic Soda – caustic soda is an essential chemical in gold mining, primarily for optimizing the cyanidation process and ensuring efficient gold extraction and purification. It plays a key role in maintaining the necessary alkaline conditions for effective gold recovery and also contributes to environmental management in the mining industry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – By providing additional oxygen, hydrogen peroxide can enhance gold leaching efficiency and improve overall gold recovery rates.
- Activated Carbon: Used to adsorb gold from cyanide solutions in the carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and carbon-in-leach (CIL) processes. Â Â
- Flocculants and Coagulants: Used to separate solids from liquids in various stages of processing.
Industries we Serve
Acids and dust suppressants are crucial for managing the environmental impact of mining activities. Acids neutralise and treat acidic runoff, reducing its environmental effects, while dust suppressants help manage dust emissions, ensuring safer and cleaner work environments.
Chemical Industry – Solvents and acids are integral in the extraction of metals and chemicals from ores, playing a critical role in the chemical separation processes essential to mineral and metal processing.
This involves extracting metals like gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, zinc, nickel, aluminium, and uranium. These metals are essential for various industries, from construction and manufacturing to electronics and energy.
Commitment to Quality
At Gapuma, we are dedicated to supporting the extractive industries with chemical solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Partnering with trusted manufacturers known for their rigorous quality assurance, we ensure that our products deliver consistent efficacy under the demanding conditions of mining, drilling, and refining operations. With a robust and agile supply chain, we provide timely deliveries tailored to the unique needs of our extractive industry clients, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability across their processes.
Sustainable Practices
Gapuma is dedicated to sustainability in the extractive industries, prioritizing responsibly sourced materials and eco-friendly chemical solutions that minimize environmental impact. In gold mining, various chemicals are essential for ore processing and gold recovery, but improper management can pose significant environmental risks. By partnering with suppliers who meet global sustainability standards, we promote ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and resource conservation, helping clients achieve their environmental goals while fostering a greener future for the industry.
Custom Solutions
Recognising the complex demands of the extractive industries, we provide bespoke solutions tailored to support your operational requirements. From sourcing premium chemicals to delivering logistical expertise, our dedicated team ensures seamless integration into your supply chain. With a focus on reliability and quality, we aim to optimise your processes and enhance efficiency, no matter the scale or scope of your projects.
