Course Introduction

Cyanide Management in Mining - 1: Chemistry of Free and Complexed Cyanide

Version: 18 May 2006

Dr. Terry Mudder Mike Botz M.S., P.E.

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(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)

Introduction

The cyanidation process for the extraction of gold and silver from ore has been employed since 1898 when it was first used in New Zealand and Africa and soon after in the United States. It is a very efficient process capable of extracting gold in amounts of less than one percent of an ounce from a ton of rock with over 90% efficiency.

Because of the environmental risks, a cyanide management plan is of critical importance to a mining operation. The lack of such a plan, in some cases, has contributed to adverse environmental incidents involving cyanide. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is developing an international code for the management of cyanide. Implementation and adherence to this code, augmented by experienced scientific and engineering judgment, will help reduce both the number and severity of environmental incidents involving cyanide.

The "Cyanide Management in Mining" courses attempt to provide the user with the necessary background for development of a cyanide management plan that meets the unique requirements of each operating mine. The full complement of courses in the series includes ...

• 1: Chemistry of Free and Complexed Cyanide

• 2: Analysis of Cyanides

• 3: Geochemical Properties and Environmental Fate of Cyanide

• 4: Toxicity and Environmental Properties of Cyanide

• 5: Water Management and Discharge Strategies

• 6: Treatment Technologies for Cyanide and Related Compounds

"Chemistry of Free and Complexed Cyanide" is the first in the series of six courses. The chemistry of cyanide solutions is unique, which is responsible for its ability to dissolve gold and silver. Although cyanide is highly selective with respect to combining with gold and silver, in solution it nonetheless forms complexes with other metals, such as mercury, zinc, copper, iron and nickel. It is the formation of these other metal complexes that not only partially accounts for the consumption of cyanide in gold extraction circuits but also generates solutions that can be difficult to treat and analyze.

This course comprises six viewing sessions, each of 30 - 60 minutes duration, plus supporting figures, tables and references, and an interactive review that confirms achievement of the learning objectives.

Learning Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete this course and the certification requirements will be able to perform the following.

• Discuss gold dissolution and recovery from cyanide solution.

• Discuss the solution chemistry of cyanide and metal complexes.

• Apply the knowledge gained to development of a cyanide management plan.

Course Requirements

Basic requirements for successful completion of this course include the following.

• A degree or diploma in environmental engineering or mineral processing.

• Experience of gold or silver extraction with cyanide.

Course Certification

This course qualifies for EduMine Certification. A certificate will be issued to an EduMine enrollee who registers for certification and successfully completes the certification requirements. The total certification fee for this course is Can$75.

0.4 CEUs  (Continuing Education Units) will be awarded for successful completion of certification requirements for this course. EduMine meets the Criteria for Certification established by the Authorized Provider Commission of The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, 1620 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 615, Washington, DC 20006.

To register for certification for this course use the "Course Certification Entry or Registration" link above or below on the right.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies as online learning for the University of British Columbia - Certificate in Mining Studies in the Environment, Social Issues, Health and Safety stream. Students who complete the certification requirements for this course may optionally register for the Certificate in Mining Studies program and complete the associated classroom component. For further information click UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

[Note: Participation in the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies program is optional. For EduMine certification proceed as described under Course Certification above.]

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)