SunSirs: Sodium Cyanide Shortage Looms on International Markets
November 14 2025 09:00:33 Mining Journal (lkhu)
Mining Journal reported that sodium cyanide (NaCN) producers have warned that the rising demand for the material by gold and silver miners, driven by higher gold prices, could lead to shortages.
Sodium cyanide has been recognized as a method for extracting gold and silver from ore since John Stewart MacArthur invented the cyanide process for gold extraction in 1887.
The cost of this reagent is less than 2% of the total production cost, but without it, gold producers would struggle to operate. The price of this chemical is reasonable and has not yet reflected the rising demand, however, analysts warn that this will change soon. “We believe that the cost of consumables, usually overlooked by investors, is often the first to be affected by operational impacts”.
Peel Hunt analyst Kieron Hodgson said, “Sodium cyanide is a key consumable for many gold miners, and without it, there will be no large-scale gold production”. “With rising gold prices, investor demand for producers to increase output is also increasing”.
“Therefore, despite the cyanide price being under pressure due to ample supply, the increase in production will not keep up with demand, ultimately leading to a price rise. If the rise in gold prices stalls, this will ultimately lead to a decline in profit margins”.
Supply
Draslovka, the world's largest sodium cyanide producer, has sold out its 2026 production, marking the fastest-selling pace in a decade. Draslovka , based in the Czech Republic, stated in its annual report released in May this year, “Sodium cyanide demand is at a record high, gold prices are soaring, and the signing of long-term sales agreements has led to a company revenue of $308 million”.
Draslovka expects demand for sodium cyanide to increase by 50% year-on-year from 2025 to 2026.
In 2023, China, the United States, and South Korea were the world's largest sodium cyanide exporters.
Alternative Other chemicals, such as chlorine bromide, thiourea and sulfite, can also be used to leach gold and silver. However, according to industry cyanide specifications, these substances form less stable complexes with gold and silver, and therefore require more aggressive conditions and oxidants to dissolve the metals.
Draslovka also patented its Glycine Leaching Technology (GLT) as an alternative to sodium cyanide. Draslovka highlighted the application prospects of this processing technology in its 2024 performance report, stating that its GLT technology and AI-based optimization tools have brought "a transformative year".
Draslovka stated, "The total addressable market for our GLT and mining optimization is currently estimated to exceed $8 billion". GlyCat gold-leaching technology in Draslovka 's GLT product series is tailormade for the amount of mining. It reduces the use of cyanide and also reduces or, in some cases, completely eliminates the need for detoxification measures.
Draslovka stated that this technology has a higher recovery rate for certain ores. In 2024, Draslovka announced a partnership with Barrick to adopt the GlyCat process at the Buylanhulu gold mine in Tanzania.
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