The Manufacturing Process of Sodium Cyanide: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is a critical chemical in gold mining, enabling efficient extraction through cyanidation. As a leading sodium cyanide manufacturer, Universal Chemical Trading GmbH (UCT GmbH) produces high-purity NaCN in large quantities for Peru’s top gold mines, including Yanacocha and Cuajone. With over four decades of expertise, UCT’s German-engineered processes ensure safety, compliance, and reliability. This guide details the Natriumcyanid Herstellung (sodium cyanide production) process, focusing on the pivotal neutralization of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Optimized for 2025 industry standards, we’ll break down each step to illuminate this complex chemical synthesis.

Why Sodium Cyanide Matters in Gold Mining

In 2025, Peru’s gold industry relies heavily on sodium cyanide for gold extraction, with global demand exceeding 1.2 million tonnes annually. NaCN dissolves gold from low-grade ores, achieving recovery rates of 90-95% in heap leaching and carbon-in-leach (CIL) systems. Its efficiency and scalability make it indispensable for mines like Inmaculada and Parcoy. However, producing high-purity NaCN requires precision to meet strict EU and Peruvian safety regulations, a hallmark of UCT GmbH’s operations.

Step-by-Step Sodium Cyanide Manufacturing Process

The production of sodium cyanide involves synthesizing hydrogen cyanide, neutralizing it with sodium hydroxide, and refining the product into solid or solution forms. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Natriumcyanid Herstellung process, rooted in UCT’s industry-leading methods.

1. Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Synthesis

• Process: HCN is produced via the Andrussow process, the industry standard. Methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), and oxygen (O₂) react at 1,100-1,200°C over a platinum-rhodium catalyst in a reactor.

  • Reaction:
    CH₄ + NH₃ + 1.5O₂ → HCN + 3H₂O (ΔH = -482 kJ/mol)

• Safety Measures: HCN is highly toxic and volatile (boiling point 25.6°C). UCT employs closed-loop systems with scrubbers to capture emissions, ensuring zero environmental release.

• Output: Gaseous HCN is cooled and purified via distillation to remove water and byproducts like ammonium formate.

2. Preparation of Sodium Hydroxide Solution

• Process: High-purity sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is dissolved in deionized water to form a 30-50% aqueous solution. UCT sources NaOH from EU-certified suppliers, ensuring <0.01% impurities.

• Equipment: Stainless steel mixing tanks with pH monitoring maintain optimal alkalinity (pH >12) to prepare for neutralization.

• Purpose: The NaOH solution acts as a base to neutralize HCN’s acidity, forming stable NaCN.

3. Neutralization of Sodium Hydroxide with Hydrogen Cyanide

• Core Reaction:
  HCN (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaCN (aq) + H₂O (l)
  This exothermic reaction occurs at 20-40°C in a controlled reactor to prevent HCN volatilization.

• Process Details:

  • Purified HCN gas is bubbled into the NaOH solution under vacuum to minimize gas escape.

  • Temperature is regulated via cooling jackets, as excess heat (>50°C) risks HCN decomposition.

  • Continuous stirring ensures uniform mixing, yielding a 30% NaCN solution.

• UCT Expertise: Our automated reactors, compliant with DIN EN ISO 9001, achieve 99.98% NaCN purity, critical for gold mining chemicals.

4. Concentration and Crystallization

• Process: The NaCN solution is concentrated via evaporation under reduced pressure to avoid thermal degradation. For solid NaCN, the solution is crystallized in vacuum evaporators.

• Output:

  • Liquid Form: 30% NaCN solution for direct mine use (e.g., Yanacocha’s heap leaching).

  • Solid Form: White briquettes or granules (98-99% purity) for storage and export, packed in UN-approved drums.

• Quality Control: UCT conducts titration and spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to confirm <0.01% cyanide impurities.

5. Packaging and Safety Compliance

• Packaging: Solid NaCN is sealed in 50kg steel drums or 1-tonne IBCs, labeled with hazard warnings per GHS standards. Liquid NaCN ships in ISO tanks for Peruvian ports.

• Safety Protocols: UCT adheres to the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC), ensuring safe transport to mines like Florencia. All batches include Certificates of Analysis (CoA) with batch codes and purity data.

• Storage: Products are stored at <30°C in ventilated warehouses to prevent decomposition into HCN gas.

6. Quality Assurance and Testing

• Tests:

  • Purity: HPLC confirms >99.98% NaCN content.

  • Impurities: Trace metal analysis ensures no contaminants like iron or arsenic, critical for gold extraction efficiency.

  • Stability: Shelf-life tests verify six-month stability under proper conditions.

• UCT Advantage: Our Hamburg facility offers third-party testing for bulk orders (>10 tonnes), guaranteeing performance in Peruvian mines.

Universal Chemical Trading GmbH: Your Trusted Sodium Cyanide Manufacturer

Since 1980, UCT GmbH (https://uctr-gmbh.de) has supplied sodium cyanide for gold mining to Peru’s top producers, including Yanacocha and Parcoy. Our Hamburg plant, certified under HRB 200209, produces 50,000 tonnes annually, shipped via DHL or sea freight to Lima. Key benefits:

• Purity: 99.98% NaCN, enhancing recovery rates by 10-15% in CIL circuits.

• Sustainability: ICMC compliance minimizes environmental impact.

• Support: Free consultations and CoA verification for orders >5 tonnes.

Safety and Regulatory Notes

Sodium cyanide is highly toxic (LD50 6.4 mg/kg). Handle with PPE in ventilated areas, per EU REACH and Peru’s Minem guidelines. UCT provides Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and training for safe mine-site use.

Conclusion: Powering Peru’s Gold Industry with Sodium Cyanide

The Natriumcyanid Herstellung process, centered on precise HCN-NaOH neutralization, is a cornerstone of modern gold mining chemicals. Universal Chemical Trading GmbH’s expertise ensures Peruvian mines like Yanacocha achieve peak efficiency. Contact us at info@uctr-gmbh.de for quotes or samples, and elevate your gold recovery in 2025.

Sodium cyanide manufacturer, Natriumcyanid Herstellung, Sodium cyanide for gold mining, Gold extraction chemicals, Universal Chemical Trading GmbH, Sodium cyanide production process, Hydrogen cyanide neutralization, Peruvian gold mining chemicals, High-purity sodium cyanide, Gold cyanidation efficiency,