ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF CYANIDE IN MINING

by Dr. Terry Mudder

Course Presenters Schedule General information

Summary

This course is part of an EduMine blended learning program that integrates online learning with classroom sessions by industry specialists.

It will augment the technical skills of the participants regarding all facets of cyanide in its relationship to the environment, humans, and mining. At the same time the courses will provide a knowledge base of sufficient depth to aid those at either operations and/or corporate offices in development of sound cyanide management plans and those contemplating participation in the International Cyanide Management Code for Gold Mining Operations.

The course will aid those involved in the permitting, design and operation facets of the mining industry to ask the appropriate questions and to make justifiable and practical decisions. This short course is supplemented by seven online courses as well as an electronic bookstore from which dozens of documents can be purchased related to environmental aspects and metallurgical use of cyanide.

Background

The increased awareness of the environmental implications associated with cyanidation has led to a tremendous increase in the knowledge of chemistry, analysis, toxicity and treatment of its process solutions. These four aspects of the cyanidation process are intimately related, with the treatment of cyanidation solutions forming the visible bridge between the mining operation and the receiving system or environments. There is sufficient detail and depth of expertise, experience and information to begin to quantify the impacts of cyanidation and to provide permanent, reliable and environmentally acceptable solutions to long-standing concerns.

In the year 2000, a release of cyanide from a tailings dam in Romania caused a global reaction and as a result the International Cyanide Management Institute was created along with the first industry wide Cyanide Code for managing its use at gold mining operations. This three day course provides a background of technical information to supplement those manufacturing, transporting, using, regulating, and researching cyanide not only in the mining industry but also industries such as electroplating.

The chemistry of the cyanidation process is well defined, but its impacts on the characteristics of mine waters and the costs of water treatment have often been underestimated during the initial stages of mine development. Today, however, the mining industry is well aware of the consequences of inadequate environmental management and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the development of state-of-the-art tailings disposal and water treatment systems.

The analysis of cyanidation process waters has evolved from the free cyanide titration with silver nitrate to the speciation of individual metal cyanide complexes in the part per billion range using specialized ion chromatography methods. Although many analytical methods are available, only a few are capable of producing reliable and accurate data. It is necessary to focus upon and improve existing methodology, while appropriately using analytical methods currently in wide usage.

The toxicity of cyanidation solutions is complex, as it involves not only individual compounds, but combinations of compounds which exhibit characteristics much different than any of the individual components. There is now sufficient toxicological information concerning cyanidation process solutions to quantify and calculate acceptable discharge limitations on a site-by-site basis. This approach requires the practical application of both laboratory and field data to provide acceptable levels of environmental protection.

The chemistry, analysis and toxicity of cyanidation process solutions are combined for the development and design of suitable and viable water treatment alternatives. A crucial aspect of this is proper evaluation of mine site water balances and implementation of appropriate water management systems. There are many water treatment alternatives that can be used at mining operations, none of which are applicable in all situations.

Pre-Course e-Learning

Prior to the course, registered delegates are provided with an internet url, user name and password. This enables them to access an online e-learning material from EduMine consisting of an introductory course titled "A Global Perspective on Cyanide Use and Management" and a set of six courses titled "Management of Cyanide in Mining", authored by Terry Mudder and Mike Botz. These courses provide delegates with important background material which increases their understanding and appreciation of the classroom course. Review of this material prior to the course, including completion of the interactive reviews, enables delegates to derive maximum benefit from the live sessions.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies for the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies, a continuing education initiative by the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining at the University of British Columbia. Delegates who (1) register for the Certificate in Mining Studies, (2) complete online certification in the required EduMine e-learning modules, (3) attend this course, and (4) complete a take-away project will receive credit towards a Mining Certificate from UBC Continuing Studies. more details »

Who Should Attend?

The course will be of particular interest to academics, consultants, agency and regulatory personnel, corporate and operational process and environmental staff, as well as auditors for the new Cyanide Code.