CakeMax® – Precision Dewatering for Precious Results          

In most Australian gold operations, final gold recovery is achieved via cyanide leaching circuits such as intensive cyanidation (Acacia/ILR), CIL and CIP. The concentrated gold bearing electrolyte from these processes are fed to electrowinning cells, where gold, silver and copper are plated onto stainless steel cathodes. The cathodes are then washed, producing high value sludge containing the precious metals.  

CakeMax® systems provide high-pressure filtration to separate liquid from solids, producing a low-moisture filter cake suitable for downstream drying and smelting.

Efficient dewatering offers several operational benefits:

• Reduced moisture content prior to drying
• Lower thermal energy demand in the dryer
• Improved handling and transfer of cake
• Consistent feed quality to the furnace

The dewatered sludge ‘cake’ is transferred to a drying oven to remove residual moisture prior to calcining and smelting. The smelting process produces doré bars containing gold and silver, which are subsequently refined to bullion grade.

Hydroflux has supplied CakeMax® chamber filter presses into multiple Australian gold rooms, where equipment must operate reliably, safely and in confined, security-controlled environments. The CakeMax® design focuses on robust construction, and efficient cake discharge, supporting safe, reliable operations and high availability.

Beyond gold rooms, Hydroflux provides integrated process water and solids handling solutions to the mining sector across Australia and the wider ANZ-Pacific region. Our capability spans clarification, filtration, tailings management, process water recycling and sludge dewatering. By combining proven equipment such as CakeMax® with in-house engineering and delivery capability, Hydroflux supports mining clients with practical, performance-focused solutions that reduce operational risk and improve overall plant efficiency.

To learn more about Hydroflux solutions for the mining industry, visit www.hydrofluxindustrial.au or contact our technical team on 1300 417 697.

About the Hydroflux Group

The Hydroflux Group aims to deliver the highest level of engineering and scientific know-how to the emerging issues of sustainability, climate adaptation and environmental protection with a specific focus on water and wastewater.

As part of its vision and mission, Hydroflux has always taken its climate responsibility seriously. In 2022, Hydroflux became Australia’s first water treatment and technology company to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for its organisation and products. It knows that partnering with customers and clients is the most significant impact it can have in its journey. The Group employs over 100 staff and operates throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with office locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, Suva.