Cyanide Management in Mining - 3: Geochemical Properties and Environmental Fate of Cyanide

The cyanidation process for the extraction of gold and silver from ore has been employed since 1898 when it was first used in New Zealand and Africa and soon after in the United States. It is a very efficient process capable of extracting gold in amounts of less than one percent of an ounce from a ton of rock with over 90% efficiency.

Because of the environmental risks, a cyanide management plan is of critical importance to a mining operation. The lack of such a plan, in some cases, has contributed to adverse environmental incidents involving cyanide. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is developing an international code for the management of cyanide. Implementation and adherence to this code, augmented by experienced scientific and engineering judgment, will help reduce both the number and severity of environmental incidents involving cyanide.

The "Cyanide Management in Mining" courses attempt to provide the user with the necessary background for development of a cyanide management plan that meets the unique requirements of each operating mine. The full complement of courses in the series includes:

• Chemistry of Free and Complexed Cyanide
• Analysis of Cyanides
• Geochemical Properties and Environmental Fate of Cyanide
• Toxicity and Environmental Properties of Cyanide
• Water Management and Discharge Strategies
• Treatment Technologies for Cyanide and Related Compounds

"Geochemical Properties and Environmental Fate of Cyanide" is the third in the series of six courses. This course covers the attenuation mechanisms applicable to cyanide and their effectiveness in different metallurgical and environmental contexts, including surface ponds, tailings, heap leach, soil and groundwater.

This course comprises 12 viewing sessions, each of 30 - 60 minutes duration, plus supporting figures, tables and references, and three interactive reviews that confirm achievement of the learning objectives.

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