Measure how much of the theoretical fine gold in a scrap lot is actually recovered. This is more informative than simply comparing feed weight with final product weight because refining changes the amount of non-gold material.
A recovery result measures the relationship between the gold theoretically present in the feed and the gold actually recovered. It should not be confused with product purity. A refined product can have extremely high purity while the operation still loses some of the gold originally contained in the feed.
For commercial analysis, use consistent assay, weighing and settlement conventions throughout the calculation. An apparent recovery above 100% is normally a signal to investigate the inputs rather than evidence of impossible physical recovery.
Comparing gross feed weight with gross recovered product weight is one of the biggest mistakes. Other common problems include using a purity figure from a non-representative sample, mixing wet and dry weights, or comparing different settlement periods.
No. Purity describes gold concentration. Recovery describes how much of the theoretical contained gold was recovered.
The calculation can produce such a result, but it should trigger review of the assay, sampling, weighing or reconciliation basis.
Yes. Enter a gold price per gram to show the value associated with the recovered fine gold.
No. This calculator focuses on contained gold recovery. Product or jewelry market value is a separate valuation question.