Use of Alternative Lixiviants to Cyanide for Gold Recovery: Sustainable Mining Processes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71068/xxz6hq12Keywords:
Leaching, gold, cyanide, sustainable alternatives, metal recoveryAbstract
Cyanidation is a commonly used method for extracting gold, as it is effective and economical. However, the environmental and toxicity hazards involved have prompted the search for alternative leaching agents that are safer and more sustainable. This article provides a technical analysis of several reagents that can replace cyanide, such as iodide, thiourea, thiosulfate, thiocyanate, glycine, and cyanate derivatives, examining their effectiveness, operating conditions, toxicity, and feasibility in industry. The findings indicate that certain compounds achieve recoveries of over 90% under controlled conditions, suggesting a promising future for their use in the industry.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriela Viviana Armijos Cabrera, Washington Omar Espinoza Ramón , Cristina Vanessa Fernández Vélez , Wilson Patricio Leon Cueva (Autor/a)
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