This traditional mineral processing vessel is used for the final concentration of dense ores like tin or lead. Miners fill the vat with a slurry of crushed ore and water, then agitate it by stirring or striking the sides with hammers. The heavy metal-rich particles settle into a solid layer at the bottom, while the lighter waste rock forms a distinct layer on top to be scraped off.
Heard on the job
Shovel the top layer of dirt out of the keeve and scoop the black tin from the bottom.
Also heard as
- kieve