The final loaded carbon is removed from the machinery and extracted with a hot alkaline solution of cyanide. The elute solution passes through an electrowinning cell where the gold metal is deposited. The solution then passes back through the loaded carbon, extracting more gold and other metals. This process continues until the carbon has been stripped of its metals. 
The cathodes (wire wool, now plated with gold and other metals) are removed and placed in sulfuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acid. The acid burns off the wire wool and other metals such as copper, and leaves a sediment of gold and a solution of acid and dissolved silver. The acid and silver are drained off, after which the gold sediment is washed with water numerous times.