Jean Louis on the water tank

The recent inspection of the gold cyanidation tanks revealedpersistent leaks that not only compromise environmental safety but also result in valuable gold loss. To address this challenge without resorting to hazardous cyanide chemistry, we have identified a suite of cyanide free, environmentally benign leaching agents that are specifically formulated for gold extraction from ore and tailings. These agents employ alternative lixiviants—such asthiourea based complexes, glycine‑copper systems, and proprietary organic extractants—that achieve comparable gold dissolution rates while markedly reducing toxicity, waste‑water contamination, and worker exposure. Their biodegradable nature and lower regulatory burden make them ideal for projects seeking sustainable, compliant operations.

In response to these findings, we have committed to integrating the selected cyanide‑free leaching technology into the Start Your Own Gold Mine program. The revised process will replaceconventional cyanidation tanks with modular leach reactors equipped with closed‑loop recycling and real‑time monitoring, ensuring optimal reagent usage and minimal effluent discharge. By adopting these greener leaching agents, the program not only safeguards the surrounding ecosystem and local communities but also enhances operational efficiency, delivering higher gold recovery rates and a stronger market reputation for responsible mining practices.