Jameson Cell lifts gold recovery at Fruta del Norte

At Lundin Gold’s Fruta del Norte operation, changes to the flotation circuit are reshaping how fine gold is recovered. The introduction of Glencore Technology’s Jameson Cell has helped the concentrator capture material that was previously lost, while supporting higher throughput and more efficient processing. 

As production targets increased, the site focused on easing constraints within the flotation circuit and raising capacity from 4,500 tonnes per day to 5,000 tonnes per day.

During this review, metallurgical teams identified losses in the fine fraction of the ore, an area where conventional tank cells were underperforming. 

To address this challenge, Lundin Gold worked with Glencore Technology, drawing on its experience in fines recovery.

Although the Jameson Cell has long been associated with cleaning duties, recent developments have expanded its application into rougher and scavenger roles. This shift opened new opportunities for recovery at Fruta del Norte. 

Detailed test work showed that Jameson Cells operating as rougher scalpers could deliver final concentrate grades early in the circuit. By recovering fines at the front end, the operation was able to reduce downstream losses and improve overall circuit balance. 

“With the adoption of a rougher scalper, cleaner scalper, and rougher scavenger configuration, operators at Fruta del Norte were able to improve Sulphur recovery by 78.1%. This is primarily driven by improved recovery of the -20um fraction which was previously lost to tails in the existing tank cell circuit.” 

Based on these results, Lundin Gold commissioned three Jameson Cells. Performance across bench scale, pilot trials, and full-scale operation showed consistent outcomes, with the Jameson Cells outperforming traditional rougher flotation approaches.

Average gold recovery increased by between 1 and 4 percent depending on ore characteristics. 

Beyond recovery, the changes also influenced downstream processing. By lowering the Sulphur grade reporting to the carbon leach circuit, the operation was able to reduce reagent demand and operating costs. 

“The improved fines recovery delivered by the Jameson Cells not only boosts our flotation recovery but also reduces the Sulphur grade fed to the carbon in leach circuit (CIL). This is a major contributing factor behind the drop in cyanide consumption, a substantial contributor to plant operating costs, “said Andrew Molloy, Metallurgical Supervisor. 

The outcomes at Fruta del Norte point to a broader shift in how concentrators can be designed. The flexibility of the Jameson Cell allows for simpler flowsheets, reduced circuit complexity, and lower energy use, while maintaining strong metallurgical performance.