Cassava-derived Lixiviant: Sustainable Gold Recovery Using Manipueira

An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador

Authors: Bruce A. Cosgrove & Moreno-Chavez, J.,| Environmental Chemistry eJournal | January 31, 2025 | 

DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5049829  

Manipueira, the liquid byproduct of cassava (Manihot esculenta) processing, contains cyanogenic glycosides—primarily linamarin—which hydrolyze to release hydrogen cyanide under aqueous conditions.  

This study evaluates Manipueira as a functional natural lixiviant for gold mobilization in artisanal mining systems, providing a viable alternative to mercury amalgamation and synthetic cyanide salts.  

When applied within controlled processing frameworks, this plant-derived system enables targeted gold dissolution while reducing toxic exposure and environmental contamination. The four-stage ESG-aligned framework developed for the Portovelo–Zaruma Mining District, Ecuador, demonstrates a scalable pathway for implementation.  

👉 These results demonstrate how botanical extraction systems can be applied to controlled mineral processing for efficient, low-toxicity gold recovery →  

The complete article with references can be accessed here 👉 An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador → 

### Scientific Interpretation

These observations reflect broader principles within applied botanical systems, where compound synergy, delivery dynamics, and physiological response are evaluated as integrated systems rather than isolated variables.

👉 Botanical Systems Science → 
👉 Scientific Publications →
👉 Botanical Formulation Systems™ →