Abstract
This paper evaluates the options and what influences the process selection for cyanide destruction and or cyanide recovery. The cost effectiveness, comparison of common detoxification DETOX) or cyanide recovery methods with advantages and disadvantages are explored including the INCO, SART, AVR and Hannah processes. The various environmentally sensitive issues pertaining to the usage of cyanide, including the effects on wildlife, monitoring procedures and strategies undertaken to prevent and more and more gold plants around the world are being required by law to limit cyanide emissions to the environment. This paper evaluates the options and what influences the process selection for cyanide destruction and recovery.
Fundamental aspects of the International Code for Cyanide Management are covered, and highlighted with references to the management of cyanide. The social licence attitudes have changed over recent years relating to environmental issues pertaining to the usage of cyanide, including the effects on wildlife, monitoring procedures and strategies undertaken to prevent and control any risks due to exposure to the environment. Treatment procedures, and methods, for cyanide poisoning are also covered as well as standard transport and storage procedures for the handling of cyanide and control of any risks due to exposure to the environment will be discussed. Case studies are examined with new gold projects to illustrate major hazards and mitigations that may occur and be implemented in gold processing operations.