Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a rigorous, end‑to‑end framework for the safe storage, handling, use and disposal of cyanide in gold mining operations. It helps Australian sites control extreme health, environmental and reputational risks while demonstrating due diligence with WHS and environmental regulators.

Cyanide is a critical reagent in gold extraction, but it is also an acutely toxic substance that demands meticulous control. Australian gold mining operations face intense scrutiny from regulators, communities and investors to demonstrate that cyanide risks are systematically identified, controlled and monitored. This Cyanide Management in Gold Mining SOP provides a practical, site‑ready framework that translates legislative duties, industry guidelines and best practice into clear, step‑by‑step instructions for your workforce.

The procedure covers the full cyanide lifecycle on site: from receipt, transport within the mine and secure storage, through reagent make‑up, dosing, process use and sampling, to detoxification, spill response and waste management. It defines roles and responsibilities, required PPE, engineering controls, monitoring requirements and emergency arrangements tailored to cyanide hazards. By implementing this SOP, mine operators can reduce the likelihood of acute poisoning, gas releases, environmental contamination and non‑compliance findings, while providing consistent training content for both employees and contractors.

Beyond safety, the document supports operational continuity and social licence to operate. Clear cyanide management practices reduce unplanned shutdowns, investigation time and insurance exposure, and they provide documented evidence of due diligence for audits, incident investigations and stakeholder reporting. The SOP is designed to integrate with existing WHS management systems, environmental management plans and emergency response procedures commonly used across Australian mining operations.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, defensible cyanide management practices across all gold processing activities on site.
• Reduce the risk of acute cyanide exposure, gas release and environmental contamination incidents.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS, dangerous goods and environmental regulatory requirements.
• Strengthen workforce competence through clear, trainable procedures for cyanide handling and emergency response.
• Minimise operational downtime, investigation effort and reputational damage arising from cyanide‑related events.

Who is this for?

• Mine Managers
• Processing Plant Managers
• Metallurgists
• WHS Managers
• Environmental Managers
• Processing Plant Supervisors
• Cyanide Handling Operators
• Reagent Make‑up Technicians
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Contractor Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Acute cyanide poisoning via inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption
• Generation and inhalation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas in process areas and confined spaces
• Chemical burns and skin/eye irritation from cyanide solutions and associated reagents
• Environmental contamination of surface water, groundwater and soil from spills or leaks
• Incompatible chemical reactions (e.g. with acids, oxidisers or strong acids in confined spaces)
• Manual handling and storage risks associated with cyanide briquettes, drums, IBCs and bulk containers
• Transport and transfer incidents during unloading, pumping and pipeline operations
• Fire and explosion risks in storage or process areas where cyanide is present with combustible materials
• Psychological stress and fatigue in workers dealing with high‑consequence hazardous chemicals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (including key cyanide terminology)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Site Policies
• 5.0 Cyanide Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Process
• 6.0 Cyanide Receipt, Transport and Chain‑of‑Custody Requirements
• 7.0 Storage Design, Housekeeping and Security Controls
• 8.0 Reagent Make‑up, Mixing and Dosing Procedures
• 9.0 Safe Operation of Gold Leaching and Detoxification Circuits
• 10.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Engineering Controls
• 11.0 Ventilation, Gas Detection and Atmospheric Monitoring for HCN
• 12.0 Sampling, Testing and Handling of Process Solutions
• 13.0 Spill Prevention, Containment and Clean‑up Procedures
• 14.0 Waste Management, Detoxification and Disposal Requirements
• 15.0 Health Monitoring, First Aid and Medical Management for Cyanide Exposure
• 16.0 Emergency Response, Evacuation and Incident Notification
• 17.0 Contractor Management and Induction for Cyanide‑Related Tasks
• 18.0 Training, Competency Assessment and Refresher Requirements
• 19.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Calibration of Safety‑Critical Equipment
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 21.0 Document Control and Review History

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (where flammable reagents are co‑stored with cyanide)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS 4775: Emergency eyewash and shower equipment
• Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), as adopted in Australia
• International Cyanide Management Code for the Manufacture, Transport, and Use of Cyanide in the Production of Gold (industry best practice reference)