In 2011, Gekko Systems reached a pivotal moment in the evolution of intensive leaching technology: the sale of the 100th InLine Leach Reactor (ILR). This milestone marked the ILR’s transition from an innovative concept to a globally trusted gold recovery solution, recognised for delivering superior gold recoveries in a high efficiency, low cost system,. with unmatched security and metallurgical certainty.
As part of our ongoing Milestone Series, we are revisiting the achievements that shaped Gekko’s impact on the mining industry and the 100th ILR stands as one of the most significant.
The 100th ILR was commissioned for Mineração Caraíba’s Nova Xavantina project in Brazil, representing not only a major global milestone but also Gekko’s first ILR installation in the country.
Pre‑commissioned at Gekko’s advanced manufacturing facility in Ballarat, Regional Victoria, Australia, the unit was shipped and installed in October 2011. The project was supported by:
- Diego Mielke, Minetec (Gekko’s agent for South America)
- Nigel Grigg, Manager, Gekko South America at the time.
Their collaboration ensured a seamless deployment and strengthened Gekko’s growing presence across the Americas. The Nova Xavantina installation demonstrated the ILR’s adaptability across diverse ore types, a key factor in its global adoption.
In parallel with the Brazilian milestone, Gekko commissioned its first ILR in Mexico at the La Cienega mine in Durango, operated by Industrias Peñoles.
The installation of an ILR150BA formed part of the mine’s expansion strategy, reinforcing the ILR’s reputation as the preferred technology for intensive cyanidation and secure gold and silver recovery. This deployment further validated the ILR’s performance across different geographies, plant configurations, and concentrate types.
By 2011, the ILR had already established itself as the benchmark for intensive leaching in gold processing plants worldwide. Its success was driven by a combination of engineering innovation, operational certainty, and measurable metallurgical outcomes.
- Superior Leach Kinetics and Oxygenation
The ILR’s design enables highly efficient oxygen transfer, accelerating leach reactions and ensuring rapid, complete dissolution of precious metals. - High Recoveries Across Particle Sizes
The ILR consistently delivers exceptional recoveries on both fine and coarse particles, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of concentrates. - Enhanced Security and Accountability
The fully enclosed reactor design improves security, reduces risk, and enhances metallurgical control, critical for gold operations. - Automated Data Capture for Operational Certainty
Integrated monitoring and control systems provide real‑time insights, enabling operators to make informed decisions and reduce variability.
As Gekko’s intensive cyanidation specialist Nick Katsikaros summarised at the time:
“Higher recoveries, faster leach kinetics, guaranteed.” This statement reflected the lived experience of ILR customers across the globe.
The sale of the 100th ILR was more than a commercial achievement, it signalled the ILR’s emergence as the global benchmark for intensive leaching. From Australia to Africa, South America to Mexico, the ILR’s expanding footprint demonstrated the industry’s confidence in Gekko’s approach to smarter, more efficient mineral processing.
This milestone also laid the foundation for the ILR’s continued evolution, including larger units, enhanced automation, and integration into complete Gekko flowsheets.
As we reflect on this milestone, we acknowledge the teams, partners, and customers who helped shape the ILR into the world‑leading technology it is today. Their trust and collaboration have been central to the ILR’s success and ongoing innovation.
Follow our Milestone Series to explore the innovations, partnerships, and achievements that continue to define Gekko Systems’ contribution to the global mining industry.
