Aqua regia refining

The chemical method

Aqua regia refining is the premier chemical method for obtaining high-purity gold from alloys and scrap, ensuring maximum precision in metal separation. The process utilizes the powerful oxidizing action of aqua regia (nitric and hydrochloric acid) to convert gold into soluble gold chloride. The gold is then precipitated, achieving a purity of $\ge 99.95\%$. Silver is isolated as silver chloride, a byproduct for further treatment. Base metals and any Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) remain in the wastewater for subsequent recovery or disposal.

KEY POINTS OF THE AQUA REGIA PROCESS:

Extreme Purity: Reaches purity levels of 99.95% or higher.
Chemical Reliability: A consolidated and safe refining method.
Input Versatility: Effective for various alloy compositions; suitable for alloys with at least 65% gold (Au) and a maximum of 15% silver (Ag).

The Balestri solution: hydrometallurgical innovation

Balestri Technologies designs flexible chemical refining systems, from aqua regia to inquartation, to meet needs ranging from small-scale production to industrial levels. Each plant is engineered for sustainable byproduct management, maximizing silver recovery and reducing environmental impact. Through modular automation—from reagent dosing to probe-assisted precipitation—we align technology with your safety and profitability goals.

KEY POINTS OF BALESTRI PLANTS:

Operational Flexibility: Designed to adapt from small to large-scale production.
Integrated Management: Optimized recovery and valorization of byproducts like silver.
Modular Automation: Customizable automation levels (dosing/precipitation) for maximum efficiency.
Circular Commitment: Engineering solutions for sustainable, low-impact operations.

Results

Maximum Gold Purity

Consistent production of 99.95 gold through optimized filtration and process control.

Full Recovery and Value

Total control over processing residues, transforming raw materials into tangible profit.

Accelerated Productivity

3-reactor architecture allows up to two refining cycles per working day.

Technological Focus:

3-Reactor Architecture: Optimizes filtration and enables parallel processing, doubling overall productivity.

Turnkey Solution: Integrated heating and cooling systems for immediate operational readiness.

Optimized Design: Reactors engineered for total discharge and rapid cleaning, eliminating any metal loss.

Contamination-Free Filtration: Dedicated pumps and high-durability filter media—no fabrics or cotton required.

Industry 4.0 Automation: Touchscreen control, automatic dosing, and remote assistance via VPN for secure management.

Space Optimization: Compact design for under-hood installation, ensuring easy emission control.

Tailored for your business

Our plants are the ideal solution for those intending to internalize refining or make it their core business.

Jewelry Manufacturers

To internalize scrap recycling and maximize recovery control.

Refining Service Providers

For professional refiners managing materials from diverse sources.

Mining Sector

To transform extracted metal into a high-purity final product.

E-Waste Recycling

To separate gold from electronic waste with maximum chemical efficiency.


Model	BT-AR-002	BT-AR-006	BT-AR-015
Input capacity (kg/batch)	Min 0,2 kg - Max 2 kg	Min 2 kg - Max 6 kg	Min 4 kg - Max 15 kg
Refining batch time	6-8 hrs	6 hrs	6 hrs
Batches per day	1	2	2
Quantity per batch	2 kg	6 kg	6 kg


Modello	BT-AR-025	BT-AR-050	BT-AR-100
Capacità di input (kg/ciclo)	Min 8 kg - Max 25 kg	Min 20 kg - Max 50 kg	Min 20 kg - Max 100 kg
Durata ciclo affinazione	6 ore	6 ore	6 ore
Cicli giornalieri	2	2	4
Quantità per ciclo	25 kg	50 kg	100 kg