CNLITE vs Sodium Cyanide
The Complete Comparison
36 specifications across performance, safety, environmental impact, cost, regulatory compliance, and operations — all in one place.
780×
Less acutely toxic than cyanide
500×
Less toxic to aquatic life
$0
Detox cost per month
35/36
Spec categories won or tied
CNLITE Gold Leaching Agent
Drop-in cyanide replacement for CIL, CIP, heap leach & vat leach operations.
View product detailsCNLITE Flotation Reagent
High-performance collector & frother for sulphide and polymetallic ores.
View product detailsSodium Cyanide
Industry standard for 130+ years — toxic, regulated, and increasingly restricted.
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33
CNLITE Wins
3
Ties
1
Cyanide Wins
Specification
CNLITE Gold Leaching
Eco-friendly leaching reagent
CNLITE Flotation
Advanced flotation reagent
Sodium Cyanide
Conventional reagent
Winner
Performance
Gold Recovery Rate
96–98%
N/A
94–97%
Silver Recovery
Up to 96%
Up to 94%
88–91%
Leaching Time
12–48 hrs
3–10 min
12–48 hrs
Dosage Rate
0.3–0.6 kg/t
50–200 g/t
0.4–0.8 kg/t
pH Operating Range
9.0–11.5
7.5–12.0
10.5–11.5
Temperature Range
15–45°C
10–50°C
15–35°C
Dissolved Oxygen Req.
4–8 mg/L
N/A
6–10 mg/L
Pulp Density
30–45%
25–40%
30–45%
Safety & Toxicity
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50)
>5,000 mg/kg
>2,000 mg/kg
6.4 mg/kg
Inhalation Hazard
None
Minimal
Lethal HCN gas risk
Skin / Eye Contact
Mild irritant
Mild irritant
Severe — systemic risk
PPE Required
Standard gloves/mask
Standard gloves/mask
Full hazmat suit + SCBA
Antidote Required On-Site
No
No
Yes (hydroxocobalamin)
Worker Fatality Risk
Negligible
Negligible
High (documented cases)
Environmental
Aquatic Toxicity (LC50)
>100 mg/L
>50 mg/L
0.05–0.2 mg/L
Biodegradability
Readily biodegradable
Readily biodegradable
Requires active detox
Tailings Detoxification
Not required
Not required
Mandatory (INCO/SO₂/Air)
Soil Contamination Risk
Very low
Very low
High — persistent
Wildlife / Bird Risk
Negligible
Negligible
Documented mass kills
Carbon Footprint
Lower (no detox)
Lower
Higher (detox energy)
Cost & Economics
Reagent Purchase Price
Slightly higher/kg
Comparable
Lower/kg
Detoxification Opex
$0/month
$0/month
$5K–$40K/month
Compliance & Permitting
Minimal
Minimal
Extensive & costly
Transport Classification
Standard freight
Standard freight
Dangerous goods (ADR)
Insurance Premium
Standard rate
Standard rate
Premium (hazmat)
Net Monthly Savings*
$8K–$60K/mo
$3K–$20K/mo
Baseline
Regulatory
ICMC Compliance
Exceeds
Exceeds
Requires certification
REACH Registration
Compliant
Compliant
Restricted in EU
GHS Classification
Category 5 (low)
Category 4
Category 1 (highest)
Country Approvals (Africa)
12+ countries
8+ countries
Banned in several
Suspension Risk
None
None
High (incidents trigger bans)
Operations
Equipment Modification
None required
None required
Baseline
Operator Training
1–2 days
1–2 days
Extensive hazmat training
Storage Requirements
Standard dry store
Standard cool store
Locked hazmat facility
Shelf Life
24 months
18 months
12–18 months
Packaging
25 kg bags / 1t IBC
25 L / 200 L drums
Briquettes / solution
Technical Support
Free (CNLITE Africa)
Free (CNLITE Africa)
Varies by supplier
* Data based on laboratory, pilot-scale, and field trials across 40+ African operations. Individual results may vary.
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