Desorption of small quantities of chloraurate ions retained on anion-exchangers, in the separation of gold from base metals.

Favourable conditions have been found for the elution of chloraurate ions, separated from base metals by sorption on Dowex 1. The elution is done at 50 degrees with a hydrochloric acid solution of thiourea. A reversible column is proposed for the purpose, the use of which decreases the eluate volume.