CYANIDATION Meaning and
Definition
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Cyanidation is a chemical process used to extract gold and silver from their ores. It involves the use of a weak solution of sodium cyanide (NaCN) in the presence of oxygen to dissolve the precious metals present in the ore. This process is commonly employed in mineral processing, particularly in the mining industry.
During cyanidation, finely ground ore is mixed with water and the sodium cyanide solution in large tanks or vats. The sodium cyanide reacts with the metal atoms, forming soluble complexes. This allows the gold and silver to be dissolved into the solution. Oxygen is also introduced to facilitate the reaction and maximize metal dissolution.
After the metals have been dissolved, various techniques such as carbon adsorption, zinc precipitation, or electrolysis are employed to recover the gold and silver from the cyanide solution. These methods involve removing the precious metals from the solution and refining them into their pure metallic form.
Cyanidation is a widely used process due to its effectiveness in extracting gold and silver from low-grade ores. It offers high yields and is relatively cost-effective. However, it is important to handle sodium cyanide with extreme caution, as it is a highly toxic compound and poses significant environmental risks if not properly managed. Stringent safety measures and environmental regulations are therefore required in cyanidation operations to prevent accidents and ensure proper handling and disposal of cyanide solutions.
Etymology of CYANIDATION
The word "cyanidation" is derived from the term "cyanide", which is a chemical compound consisting of carbon and nitrogen (CN-). The term "cyanide" is further derived from the Greek words "kyanos", meaning dark blue, and "hūdrōs", meaning water. This naming originates from the observation that cyanides produce dark blue solutions when dissolved in water. Therefore, "cyanidation" refers to the act or process of treating a substance with cyanide or using cyanide to extract valuable metals like gold from ores.
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