Leaching is the heart of gold recovery: a dilute solution dissolves gold from crushed ore, then carbon absorbs it back. The reagent you choose affects recovery rate, safety, cost and regulatory burden.
How sodium cyanide leaching works
In a dilute alkaline (pH 10.5–11) solution, cyanide ions dissolve gold according to the well-known CIL/CIP chemistry. Sodium cyanide (NaCN, 98%, iron drums) remains the industry standard because it is cheap, predictable and well understood. It demands strict pH control, secured storage, trained operators and full hazardous-goods documentation — both in the plant and across the border.
Why mines ask about non-cyanide alternatives
Some regions restrict cyanide imports, remote sites lack safe storage, and small-scale operators want lower training needs. Modern non-cyanide gold leaching agents (often branded as eco-friendly or green leaching reagents) are designed to be safer to handle and easier to permit, and work on both heap leaching and tank leaching circuits. They generally cost more per gram treated, so the decision depends on your ore type, local rules and scale — always run a bottle roll test before switching.
What plants usually need alongside the reagent
A complete leaching circuit needs: the leaching reagent, granular activated carbon for CIL/CIP recovery, and (for underground or open-pit operations) blasting supplies such as emulsion explosives, detonators and detonating cord. Sourcing all of them from one trader simplifies documentation and shipping.
How to choose
Stick with sodium cyanide if you have an experienced team, stable regulations and the lowest reagent cost is decisive. Consider a non-cyanide agent if permits are tight, storage is risky, or your ore suits the alternative reagent after metallurgical testing.
We supply sodium cyanide drums, non-cyanide leaching agents, activated carbon and blasting equipment to mines in Africa, South America and Central Asia, with complete safety documentation.