MINING CHEMICALS
2019, auditors are asked to note in their Detailed
Audit Findings Report if the practice has already
been adopted.
Clariant gets award from Anglo
Cyanide transport to a gold operation in Ghana.
Orica’s cyanide production facilities and
transport network worldwide are certified under
the Cyanide Code
audit within three years; an operation has had a
verification audit within two years of a change in
ownership, defined as a change of the controlling
interest of the operating company.
New dye requirements from ICMI
In February 2018, the ICMI announced that it had
posted revisions to Cyanide Code documents
regarding a new requirement for the use of
colourant dye in high strength cyanide solutions
at mining operations. This action follows a
December 2017 decision by the ICMI Board of
Directors approving this change to the Cyanide
Code program.
In late 2015, the ICMI identified several
possible program changes having the potential
to strengthen the Cyanide Code program. Among
the possible changes was whether to require or
otherwise encourage the practice of adding dye
to reagent cyanide as a means of visual
identification of leaks or spills at mine sites or
during transportation. “Many chemical
manufacturers add colourants, odoriferants and
other indicators to dangerous chemicals that do
not possess an obvious identifying characteristic.
The purpose is to provide a quick and distinctive
way for users to identify these substances.”
The ICMI Board’s decision came after seeking
stakeholder comments through a public process
in 2017. Last August, ICMI announced via its
website and mailing list that it was seeking
comments on the proposed requirement for dye
addition to high strength cyanide solutions. ICMI
also publicised the consultation in the third
quarter edition of its newsletter. Additionally, a
letter was sent by ICMI to each of the mining
company and cyanide manufacturer inviting them
30 International Mining | MAY 2018
to comment on the proposal. All comments
received by ICMI voiced support for the proposed
change.
Under the program revisions, high strength
cyanide solutions must contain dye for clear
identification when out of proper containment
and for clear differentiation with other solutions
or rainwater that may be present. Dye must be
added at concentrations so as to provide a clear
visual indicator of high strength cyanide
solutions. For adding dye, high strength cyanide
sol