At Orica we understand that mining is a complex business with specialised inputs required at every step. Orica offers a broad range of chemicals for the mining and mineral processing industry – keeping our customers operating safely and efficiently throughout the value chain.

Orica is a leading global supplier of sodium cyanide. Our manufacturing facility in Yarwun, Queensland, supplies sodium cyanide to key mining regions in Latin America, Africa and Oceania. Our proven and responsive global supply chain ensures the safe and secure supply of sodium cyanide and mineral processing chemicals, while our technical specialists support their safe handling and effective use on site.

Safety, health and the environment

We are committed to the safe handling and use of mining chemicals, to ensure the protection of people, the environment and our customers’ business reputations. Orica's proven delivery systems for sodium cyanide and other chemicals include the use of accredited third-party contractors. We also provide a 24/7 emergency response capability with technical advice and awareness programs for mine sites in the safe use and handling of cyanide on site.

Gold extraction process

Sodium cyanide has been used in the extraction of gold from ore for over a century. Today it is still considered the most efficient extraction method – with sodium cyanide used in the leaching process in most gold mining operations.
Orica is one of the largest producers of sodium cyanide for the mining industry. Ammonia and caustic soda are the key raw materials used in the production of this chemical.

Cyanide manufacturing 

Orica’s sodium cyanide manufacturing facilities are located in Queensland, Australia, Nevada, United States and Texas, United States. All sites are compliant with ISO9002 and the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC).

Our dedicated manufacturing facilities, together with our sodium cyanide transfer stations in Africa, North America, Asia and Latin America enable continuous supply of product, while our proven supply chain provides safe and secure supply of this chemical to our customers around the world.

ICMC compliance

Orica is a signatory to the International Cyanide Management Code and our sodium cyanide manufacturing facility, and transfer stations are fully ICMC accredited.
Our global supply chain is ICMC certified– with route assessments conducted by accredited third party contractors for road deliveries and due diligence programs for port and rail delivery operations.

To help our customers ensure the safe use and handling of sodium cyanide onsite we offer:

• onsite sodium cyanide storage recommendations and reviews
• a 24/7 emergency response service, and
• site-based product awareness and safety training.