Is amalgamation and cyanidation is hazardous? Why and why not?
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Is amalgamation and cyanidation is hazardous? Why and why not?
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The mercury amalgamation process commonly used in artisanal gold mining mixes elemental mercury with silt or ore dust that contain tiny pieces of gold. This mercury in waterways is then absorbed by various living organisms and is transformed into methylmercury, which is extremely hazardous to human health if digested.
While sodium cyanide releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen. Exposure to sodium cyanide can be rapidly fatal.