Global Advanced Research Journal of Geology and Mining Research
February 2013 Vol. 2(1), pp 001-004
Copyright © 2013 Global Advanced Research Journals

 

Review

Mining waste-Cyanide as a source of added value by its conversion into Urea and Urea-Formaldehyde

Alfred Bennun

Graduate School Rutgers - UMDNJ, USA and CONICET, AR

Email: alfr9@hotmail.com

Accepted 07 January, 2013

Abstract

Served waters containing cyanide from gold mining open pits, should be treated to avoid permanent environmental pollution by the contamination of river basins, soils and sources of irrigation and drinking water. Cyanide should be always processed in covered pools, and at high pH, to prevent leaks of hydrocyanic acid. Resource management has to take in account, the added value of using discharged cyanide as a supply for industrial processes, like urea production. The latter, could be used as an agricultural fertilizer or for production of Urea-Formaldehyde (UF), a thermic and electric insulator with a variety of industrial applications.

Keywords: Mining waste-Cyanide, Urea, Urea-Formaldehyde