Question 1

Do I need to change my existing equipment to use CNLITE?

Accepted Answer

No. CNLITE Gold Leaching Agent is a direct drop-in replacement for sodium cyanide. It works with your existing CIL, CIP, heap leach, or agitation leach infrastructure without any modifications to tanks, pumps, carbon circuits, or electrowinning cells. Zero capital expenditure on equipment changes.

Question 2

How long does the transition from cyanide to CNLITE take?

Accepted Answer

Most operations complete the transition within 2–4 weeks. This includes a flush-out period to remove residual cyanide, a commissioning phase where CNLITE dosage is calibrated to your specific ore, and a stabilisation period. Our technical team provides on-site support throughout the entire process at no additional cost.

Question 3

Will my gold recovery rate drop when I switch?

Accepted Answer

No — in most cases it stays the same or improves. CNLITE achieves gold recovery rates of 96–98%, comparable to sodium cyanide. For certain ore types with high silver content or complex mineralogy, CNLITE has demonstrated superior recovery.

Question 4

Can CNLITE be used alongside cyanide during a phased transition?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a clean switchover rather than mixing reagents, as the two chemistries can interfere with each other. However, a phased approach is possible where individual circuits are converted one at a time.

Question 5

What happens to my existing cyanide stock when I switch?

Accepted Answer

Existing sodium cyanide stock must be properly disposed of according to local environmental regulations before CNLITE is introduced. The cost savings from eliminating cyanide compliance typically offset disposal costs within the first month.

Question 6

Is CNLITE truly non-toxic? What is its LD50?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CNLITE Gold Leaching Agent has an oral LD50 of greater than 5,000 mg/kg in rats — placing it in the same toxicity category as table salt. By comparison, sodium cyanide has an LD50 of just 6.4 mg/kg, making it approximately 780 times more toxic.

Question 7

What PPE is required when handling CNLITE?

Accepted Answer

Standard chemical handling PPE is sufficient: safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a dust mask when handling the powder form. There is no requirement for gas detection equipment, full-face respirators, hazmat suits, or emergency cyanide antidote kits.

Question 8

How does CNLITE affect the environment if there is a spill?

Accepted Answer

CNLITE is biodegradable and breaks down naturally in the environment. In the event of a spill, the affected area should be flushed with water. There is no risk of hydrogen cyanide gas generation and no long-term soil or groundwater contamination.

Question 9

Does CNLITE meet international environmental standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CNLITE complies with EU REACH regulations and the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC) alternative reagent requirements. Many operations have used the switch to CNLITE as part of their ISO 14001 environmental management certification.

Question 10

How is CNLITE waste treated after the leaching process?

Accepted Answer

CNLITE tailings require only simple pH neutralisation before discharge. There is no requirement for the complex and expensive detoxification processes mandated for cyanide tailings. This alone can save operations $5,000–$15,000 per month in treatment costs.

Question 11

What gold ore types is CNLITE suitable for?

Accepted Answer

CNLITE is effective on free-milling oxide ores, transitional ores, gold-silver ores, and many sulphide ores. It performs particularly well on ores with high silver content. For refractory ores, CNLITE is applied in the leach stage after pre-treatment.

Question 12

What is the correct dosage of CNLITE?

Accepted Answer

Typical dosage ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 kg per tonne of ore, depending on ore grade, mineralogy, and circuit configuration. The elimination of auxiliary costs results in a net cost saving for most operations.

Question 13

Does CNLITE work in heap leach operations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CNLITE is fully compatible with heap leach operations and has been successfully deployed on multiple heap leach pads across Africa. The application method is identical to cyanide — CNLITE solution is applied via the same drip or sprinkler irrigation systems.

Question 14

What pH is required for CNLITE leaching?

Accepted Answer

CNLITE operates effectively across a pH range of 9.0 to 11.5. No changes to your lime addition or pH control systems are required. The reagent does not generate toxic gases at any pH level, unlike cyanide which produces lethal HCN gas at pH below 10.5.

Question 15

How does leaching time compare to cyanide?

Accepted Answer

Leaching times with CNLITE are generally comparable to cyanide — typically 12 to 48 hours depending on ore type, grind size, and circuit configuration. In some cases with oxide ores, CNLITE has demonstrated faster leach kinetics.

Question 16

Is CNLITE more expensive than sodium cyanide?

Accepted Answer

The reagent price per kilogram is slightly higher than sodium cyanide. However, when you factor in the elimination of detoxification costs, compliance costs, specialised PPE, dangerous goods transport permits, and environmental liability insurance, the total cost of gold production is lower with CNLITE.

Question 17

Where is CNLITE stocked in Africa?

Accepted Answer

CNLITE Africa maintains stock in Harare, Zimbabwe, with the ability to supply across the continent. Lead times from our Zimbabwe warehouse are typically 3–10 business days depending on destination country.

Question 18

What is the minimum order quantity?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict minimum order for existing clients. For new clients, we recommend starting with a trial quantity of 500 kg to 1 tonne for bench-scale and pilot testing before committing to full-scale supply.

Question 19

Can I get a free sample for laboratory testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide complimentary samples of CNLITE Gold Leaching Agent and CNLITE Flotation Reagent for laboratory testing. Simply complete the sample request form on our Products page or contact us via WhatsApp.

Question 20

Do you offer technical support after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes — comprehensive technical support is included with every supply agreement at no additional charge. This includes remote support via WhatsApp and email, on-site commissioning assistance for new deployments, and periodic process optimisation visits.

Everything You Need to Know

Switching from Cyanide