cyanidevrij

Cyanidevrij is a Dutch term meaning "cyanide-free" and is used to describe products, processes, or practices that do not involve cyanide. It is most often applied in mining and metal refining, but can also refer to other contexts where cyanide presents environmental or health risks. The term signals an aim to reduce the toxic potential of cyanide compounds for workers and ecosystems and to limit the release of cyanide-containing effluents.

In mining and metallurgy, cyanide is commonly used for gold extraction through cyanide leaching because of its effectiveness and low cost. Cyanidevrij initiatives seek to replace or minimize cyanide use by employing alternative leaching reagents such as thiosulfate, glycine, or chloride-based systems, as well as non-chemical or physical methods like gravity separation and pre-treatment steps. The feasibility of these alternatives depends on ore characteristics, scale, and economic factors. While environmental and safety benefits are cited, widespread adoption remains limited and many projects are still in pilot or transitional stages. Proper management of residuals and effluents is essential in any cyanidevrij approach.

In the jewelry sector, some brands market cyanidevrij goud to indicate that refining did not rely on cyanide. Because there is no universal standard for verification, consumers are advised to look for independent certification or transparent sourcing information.

Overall, cyanidevrij reflects ongoing efforts to reduce toxic chemical use in mining and related industries, balancing environmental and health goals with technical and economic considerations.