The use of activated carbon for gold recovery has been known for years, but came industrially on stream since the years seventies._x000D_
Despite several years of experience, the criteria for selecting a carbon have not been clearly determined so far._x000D_
This paper will try to highlight the user through his experience, on the most important factors which should affect his decision._x000D_
We will develop: - Physical characteristics - Adsorption characteristics and try to show that slight variations on these characteristics may have important consequences on the plant design and profitability.