With global gold prices continuing to rise, more small and medium-sized mining investors are looking for low-investment, fast-commissioning, and high-recovery solutions to enter the gold mining industry.
However, small-scale gold mines often face challenges such as limited budgets, unstable ore grade, and difficulty in designing an efficient processing flow.
This article provides a clear, practical guide to Small-Scale Gold Mining Solutions, including recommended flowsheets, equipment configurations, and key steps to maximize your gold recovery.
1. Common Challenges in Small-Scale Gold Mining
1) Low ore grade and complex minerals
Most small mines have Au grades of only 1–5 g/t, with clay, oxide, or sulfide impurities that require proper pre-concentration.
2) Limited investment budget
Mine owners focus on equipment cost, energy consumption, maintenance convenience, and footprint.
3) Difficulty determining the optimal process
Each deposit is different. A single method often cannot meet recovery requirements—combined processes perform better.
2. Most Effective Processing Flow for Small Gold Mines
Recommended Flow:
Crushing → Grinding → Gravity Separation → Flotation (optional) → Concentrate Treatment
This combined method works for most alluvial, oxide, and mixed gold ores.
3. Equipment Solutions for 1–50 TPH Small Gold Mines
Solution 1: 1–3 TPH Basic Gravity Separation Line
Best for: alluvial gold, oxide gold, low-clay ore
Advantages: lowest investment, no chemicals, fast setup
Equipment List:
Jaw Crusher
Wet Pan Mill or Ball Mill
Recovery Rate: 70–90%
Ideal for: entry-level miners & small private mines
Solution 2: 10–30 TPH Complete Gold Processing Line
(best-selling configuration)
Suitable for: sulfide gold, clay-rich ore, mixed ore
Features: gravity + flotation + tailing recovery
Equipment List:
Crushing & Screening Unit
Ball Mill + Spiral Classifier
Centrifugal Concentrator
Shaking Table
Flotation Machine
Recovery Rate: 85–95%
Widely used in: Africa, South America
Solution 3: Mini Modular Gold Processing Plant
(smart, compact, quick installation)
Land required: only 40–80 m²
Highlights:
All-in-one system
PLC automatic control
Low energy consumption
Recovery Rate: 90–97%
Perfect for: small sites, rapid deployment projects
4. Why Gravity Separation Is the Best Choice for Small Mines?
Gravity separation offers:
Low investment cost
Low energy consumption
Simple operation & easy maintenance
Strong recovery for coarse, fine, and ultra-fine gold
Centrifugal Concentrator + Shaking Table
→ Best combination for fine-gold recovery.
5. How to Choose the Right Processing Flow?
Step 1 — Send ore samples
We analyze gold grade, mineral composition, impurities, and particle size.
Step 2 — Laboratory test
Gravity test, flotation test, leaching test → determines optimal flowsheet.
Step 3 — Choose equipment based on budget
Low budget → Gravity-only
Medium → Gravity + Flotation
High → CIP/CIL + Flotation + Gravity
Step 4 — On-site layout & engineering design
Conclusion
With the right flowsheet and equipment, even a small gold mine can achieve high recovery and fast return on investment.
If you need:
✔ 1–50 TPH gold processing line
✔ Ore test service
✔ Customized flowsheet
✔ Factory price equipment quotation
We are ready to support your mining project with a complete solution.