Metal Concentrators SA (MetCon) is a leading South African refinery specializing in the beneficiation of responsibly sourced precious metals. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including refining gold, silver, and platinum to the highest international standards. Recently, MetCon implemented ColdBlock digestion technology in its laboratory as an alternative to traditional hot plate digestion for gold recovery, marking a significant step in improving its operations.
The introduction of ColdBlock Technologies Inc. sample preparation technology has brought numerous benefits to MetCon, streamlining the refining process and contributing to greater efficiency, precision, and sustainability.
Collins Nukeri, Lab General Supervisor at MetCon, expressed his satisfaction with the technology: “ColdBlock has been an amazing addition to our assaying process. Everything that goes through the ICP is digested first in ColdBlock. The process is similar, but the results are delivered much more quickly, with less consumable waste. Sample preparation has become a simple step in the process, and I am very pleased with this transition.”
Some of the key advantages realized by MetCon since the transition to ColdBlock include:
1. Ease of Use
One of the most immediate benefits observed was the simplicity and ease of use. Samples are now easily transferred from tube to flask, and the overall sample preparation process has become much more straightforward. This has simplified daily operations and ensures that all samples are processed with ease, ultimately saving time and reducing the complexity of the workflow.
2. Operational Improvements – Safety and Reduced Waste
ColdBlock technology has significantly reduced operational risks associated with traditional methods. The elimination of hot plates has resulted in a safer working environment, as the risk of cross-contamination and spillage is now virtually eliminated. Furthermore, the process requires fewer acids compared to hot plate digestion, which reduces the potential for hazardous waste. This operational shift also minimizes precious metal loss, leading to more cost-effective recovery processes.
3. Precision & Accuracy
ColdBlock digestion maintains the high precision and accuracy required in the gold recovery process. Results obtained from ColdBlock are as accurate as those from conventional methods, ensuring that the refinery meets industry standards while enhancing the consistency and reliability of the final product.
4. Speed / Rapid Results
Perhaps one of the most notable improvements is the speed of digestion. ColdBlock allows samples to be digested in just 5 minutes, significantly reducing the time it takes to obtain results. The technology enables staff to initiate the process, step away to perform other tasks, and return to complete digestion, increasing efficiency and workflow flexibility. This reduction in processing time contributes to faster turnaround times and the ability to increase overall production capacity.
5. Cost Savings & Environmental Benefits
In addition to operational benefits, ColdBlock’s efficiency translates into cost savings. The reduced consumption of acids and the ability to process samples faster without compromising accuracy means lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. This aligns with MetCon’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management, providing both economic and ecological benefits.
Craig West, CEO of ColdBlock Technologies Inc., also commented on the positive feedback from the MetCon team: “We are always thrilled to hear about the improvements ColdBlock is making in the labs of our customers. Knowing that MetCon’s lab is operating more efficiently, with a safer, simpler process, is exactly the outcome we strive for with ColdBlock. We’re proud to be part of their success.”
The integration of ColdBlock technology at MetCon has enhanced the company’s refining process, offering numerous operational, environmental, and economic benefits. MetCon is well-positioned to continue providing high-quality, responsibly sourced precious metals to the market, while staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.
About Metal Concentrators SA
Metal Concentrators SA (MetCon) is a leading South African refinery specializing in the beneficiation of responsibly sourced precious metals. Their offering includes superlative refining, world-class wealth products and specialist jeweller services to the highest international standards. MetCon has operations in Gauteng in the Special Economic Zone, and the Western Cape of South Africa. MetCon’s vision is to grow Africa’s wealth, support the local precious metals industry, tell jewellers’ stories and create wealth products that invite all South Africans to share the richness of our land. For more information, visit metcon.co.za.
About ColdBlock Technologies Inc.
ColdBlock sample digestion technology uses a unique combination of focused short-wave infrared heating and a cooling zone to dissolve solid sample matter into solution for multi-element analysis. The result is a significantly faster, simpler, and safer process compared with older digestion methods. ColdBlock’s sample digestion system is being used in labs across several industries around the world, saving time and money by increasing sample throughput capacity and significantly reducing turnaround times, while providing accurate and reliable results. ColdBlock Technologies Inc. is a privately owned company based in Ontario, Canada. For further information, visit coldblock.ca and follow along on LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Heather Lielmanis, CMO
hlielmanis@coldblock.ca
