Gold mining

Gold mining consists of the processes and techniques employed in the removal of gold from the ground. There are several techniques by which gold may be extracted from earth and rock:

Cyanide process

Cyanide process extraction of gold may be used in areas where gold-bearing rocks or finer materials are found at the surface. Sodium cyanide solution is allowed to leach through a pile of finely-ground rock that contains gold and silver, and is then collected as gold cyanide and silver cyanide solution. Zinc is added to the solution, precipitating out zinc, silver, and gold. The zinc is removed with sulphuric acid, leaving a silver and gold amalgam that may be further processed into the individual metals.

Related Topics:
Cyanide process - Sodium cyanide - Zinc - Sulphuric acid - Amalgam

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The cyanide technique is simple and straightforward to apply. It is popular in areas where mine tailings may contain large quantities of valuable metals despite previous processing, even previous treatments with cyanide. This technique can be dangerous and can cause significant environmental damage (see also: Summitville mine) due to the toxicity of cyanide.

Related Topics:
Tailings - Summitville mine - Toxicity

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