cyanide extraction

Cyanide extraction is a process used in mining to retrieve gold from ore. It involves dissolving the gold using a solution of cyanide, which forms a complex with the gold atoms. After the cyanide solution has leached out the gold, it is separated from the ore material. The gold is then recovered from the solution through further steps, often involving zinc or activated carbon. While effective, cyanide must be handled carefully because it is highly toxic, and safety measures are essential to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards.