Natrium Cyanide Replacement with Environmentally Friendly Polymerized Cyanide GOLDIX for Leaching of Gold Ore from Sumbawa Indonesia

Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 4132, Indonesia

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Abstract

Indonesia possesses abundant mineral resources, particularly gold ore. Leaching with sodium cyanide (NaCN) is commonly employed to extract gold in a cost-effective manner. However, due to its toxicity, NaCN poses environmental risks and requires detoxification before tailings can be safely disposed of. GOLDIX, a polymerized form of NaCN, emerges as an eco-friendly alternative with superior degradability, CN-, and a reduced environmental impact. This study utilizes several samples to compare the performance of NaCN and GOLDIX in gold ore leaching and detoxification. Tests were conducted using agitation leach with equal dosages of both reagents, and detoxification was evaluated through a blanking method as baseline, oxidation method for filtrate, and INCO for slurry. The results indicated that GOLDIX exhibited similar or even superior leaching performance compared to NaCN, particularly regarding gold and silver recovery. One type of GOLDIX achieved a gold recovery rate of 77.51%, surpassing NaCN’s 70.09%. In the detoxification test, the same GOLDIX series also reduced free cyanide by approximately 90% in 90 minutes, while NaCN only achieved a 22.5% reduction. These results suggest that this type of GOLDIX is effective for gold leaching and represents a more environmentally responsible choice with potential cost-saving benefits in detoxification.