After two devastating chemical explosions in the city of Tianjin on Aug. 12, Chinese authorities revealed the presence of about 700 tons of sodium cyanide at the site. Some of it is thought to have spilled into the surrounding environment, causing angry responses and questions. Many wanted to know what such large quantities of toxic material are used for. Wang Yang, the editor of Tencent Weibo’s Daily in Touch channel, attempted to answer the question. The following article is an abridged treatment based on his post of Aug. 15.
Cyanide is a well-known, highly toxic chemical. A tiny amount can kill a person. But few people know that it is used in huge quantities in modern gold mining. Almost all gold producers depend on it to separate gold from other ores. Cyanide is also an essential reactant in jewelry plating.
