The Society of Mining Engineers (SME) has issued its latest technical briefing paper, The Safe and Effective Use of Cyanide in the Mining Industry. This paper, the 14th in the series, provides a general overview on the use, proper management and control of cyanide and its application to recover gold from ore. The technical briefing paper can be downloaded from the SME Government Affairs & Public Policy website www.smenet.org/gpac/.
The purpose of this briefing is to provide a general overview about the use of cyanide and its application to recover gold from ore. While the use of cyanide is essential to the modern gold mining industry, SME acknowledges the public’s concern regarding the use of this reagent and through this discussion presents information to inform and engage in meaningful dialogue about safety and best practices utilized by the mining industry for the extraction of gold from ore. Technical references regarding the use of cyanide in the processing of gold ore are noted at the end of the briefing.
The logo shown is that of the cyantists – www.cyantists.com – one of whom is Dr Terry Mudder, inducted into the International Mining Technology Hall of Fame this year for Environmental Management and Stewardship.