Only on Che.com :: Latest News

February 22, 2013

Grupo Idesa and CyPlus enter JV to build NaCN plant in Mexico

Gerald Ondrey

Grupo Idesa S.A de C.V. (Mexico) and CyPlus GmbH (Germany), a 100% subsidiary of Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) are close to signing a joint venture (JV) agreement for the construction of a sodium cyanide plant in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Equipped with Evonik’s state-of-the-art technologies and with a production capacity for 40,000 metric tons, the planned facility is expected to go on stream in the first quarter of 2015.

Mexico’s economy has been growing steadily over recent years and the mining industry in particular is expected to continue to experience excellent growth rates. The gold and silver mining industry is the world’s main cyanide consumer. Sodium cyanide is the most efficient and cost-effective agent for the extraction of these metals. The JV’s new sodium cyanide plant will support the growth of the mining industry by providing reliable supplies.

The Mexican plant will be certified according to the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC). With this Code the gold mining industry, cyanide producers, and logistic companies around the world commit to high and uniform standards in safety and environmental protection regarding the use and handling of cyanides.