The jig concentrator (or jig separator) is a gravity-based mineral processing machine that separates particles by density using pulsating water flow [1]. It is widely used for coal, gold, tin, tungsten, iron ore, and diamonds, efficiently recovering coarse to medium-sized heavy minerals [1].
Jigs are gravity separation devices that use hindered settling to extract heavy minerals from feed material. They typically consist of shallow, perforated trays through which water pulsates in a vertical motion [2].
In most instances, a bed made up of sized shot, steel punchings, or other “ragging” material is placed over the perforations to pro- mote directional currents required for separation [2]. Slurried feed flowing over the bed is subjected to the vertical pulsations of water, which tend to keep lighter particles in suspension while drawing down heavier constituents.
These heavy minerals are either drawn through the bed and discharged from spigots under the jig or, if too large to pass through the perforations, are drawn off near the end of the machine [2]. Lighter particles continue across and over the end of the jig as tailings. Jigs are sensitive to feed sizing.
They are generally utilized for feeds ranging from 75 µm to a maximum of 1 in, but recoveries improve if feed is well sized and kept to minus 0.25 in [2]. Efficiency is maximized when feed materials have been deslimed and sized into a number of separate fractions for individual treatment [2].
Optimum solids content for jig plant feed ranges from 35% to 509-the object being to avoid excessive dilation of the material. Capacities for jigs range from 0.1 to 400 yd3/h and are dependent upon desired product as well as equipment size [2].
Reference
[1] “Jig Concentrator,” JXSC Mineral. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.jxscmineral.com/equipment/jig-concentrator/
[2] S. Stebbins, “Cost Estimation Handbook for Small Placer Mines I.C. 9170,” 1986. Accessed: Aug. 26, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Cost-Estimation-Handbook-for-Small-Placer-Mines-Stebbins/94c188525178d65cc964f7af20fff0182d8c1c14
