HAND

PANNING

BAGTASOS, K
EDRADAN, LJ
LAPAD, E
MORDENO, C
TACMO, IQ

Abstract
This experiment presents the separation of high
grade copper concentrate from gangue through a hand
panning technique. The hand panning technique, is a
simple method of separating particles of greater
specific gravity from soil or gravels by washing in a pan
with water. Two trials were done, showing the
concentrate having an average specific gravity of 3.89
which is greater than the 2.37 average specific gravity
of the tailings .
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Introduction
Means for separating heavy minerals from the gangue
A preliminary concentration of heavy-metal ores such as gold
Used by small scale miners in various places in the country
Not used for commercial use, since it can only process limited
volume of streambed material

Objective
This experiment aims to familiarize the student with the use of
an available, efficient pan in the separation of high grade copper
concentrate from gangue.

Significance
This activity is very essential as used for preliminary
concentration of heavy-metal ores. This activity is also necessary
for the student to learn the stages on how this gravity
concentration method is done.

Materials and Methods

Materials:
vanning pan
copper ore
balance
pail
250- ml beaker

Materials and Methods

Weighing of
crushed and
ground ore

Mixture of water
and ore in a pan

Panning

Collection of
concentrate and
tailings

Data analysis

Results and Discussion

Table 1. Weight analysis of concentrate and tailings

Initial Wt. Wt.

Of
Ore Concentrate
(grams)
(grams)

Trial 1
Trial 2

100
100

Of Wt.
Tailings
(grams)

26.34
21.57

68.55
69.76

6.86

69.16

Of Total
Wt.
Concentrate
Tailings
(grams)
94.89
91.33

Of Wt. Of Loss %
+ Sample
Concentrate
(grams)
Distribution

23.96

Concentrate
Tailings
Losses

5.11
8.67

26.34
21.57

Results and Discussion

Table 2. Specific Gravity of the Ore

Weight of pycnometer (g)

Weight of ore (g)
Weight of ore + pycno + water (g)

:
:
:

12.63
30.69
59.54

Weight of water (g)

Volume of ore (ml)
Specific Gravity of ore (g/ml)

:
:
:

23.22
1.78
3.41

Results and Discussion

Table 3. Specific Gravity of the Concentrate

Weight of pycnometer (g)

Weight of concentrate (g)
Weight of conc.+ pycno+ water (g)
Weight of water (g)
Volume of ore (ml)
Specific Gravity of conc. (g/ml)

:
:
:
:
:
:

Trial 1
12.84
26.33
55.39
23.30
1.7
3.72

Trial 2
12.84
21.53
52.27
23.22
1.78
4.05

:
:
:
:
:
:

Trial 1
12.85
20.46
48.09
23.27
1.73
2.41

Trial 2
12.90
18.87
46.89
23.22
1.78
2.33

Table 4. Specific Gravity of tailings

Weight of pycnometer (g)

Weight of tailings (g)
Weight of tailings+ pycno+ water (g)
Weight of water (g)
Volume of ore (ml)
Specific Gravity of ore (g/ml)

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Conclusion and
Recommendation
It is a great help to know the specific gravity of a mineral.
Based on the results, lighter minerals (tailings) spill out, while the
heavier minerals (concentrate) stay in the vanning pan. It is
assumed that the ore is a chalcopyrite, having a concentrate of a
copper mineral, based on the fact that the ore has a close specific
gravity of a chalcopyrite. More of the losses in the experiment are
slimes which were eliminated during decantation of tailings and
concentrate.
Moreover, it is recommended to have a suitable and wider pan
to have an effective hand panning of minerals.

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