Dilving is an older, manual mineral processing technique used primarily for tin ores. The operator places crushed ore into a fine sieve and agitates it underwater. The shaking motion causes the heavier tin oxide particles to settle at the bottom of the sieve, while the lighter waste rock is washed over the edge and discarded.
The historical society set up a dilving demonstration to show how the early tinners separated cassiterite from the gangue.
This term is largely historic and associated with traditional Cornish tin mining.
Also heard as
- dilluing
Related terms
Vanning
The manual process of washing crushed ore on a shovel to evaluate its mineral content.
Tossing
A traditional mineral processing technique that separates heavy ore from lighter waste by violent agitation in water.
Black tin
Dressed and washed cassiterite ore that is ready for the smelting furnace.