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.,| Published peer reviewed - Environmental Chemistry eJournal | January 31, 2025, DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5049829
Introduction
Manipueira, the liquid byproduct of cassava (Manihot esculenta) processing, contains cyanogenic glycosides—primarily linamarin—which hydrolyze to release hydrogen cyanide under aqueous conditions.
👉 Cassava-derived systems represent a shift away from mercury-dependent processes toward scalable botanical extraction methods →
This study evaluates cassava wastewater a.k.a. 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.
👉 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 Context
This article is grounded in applied botanical systems research and connects to the following peer-reviewed and technical publications:
👉 Ecuador Four-Stage Action Plan for Botanical Lixiviant Systems →
👉 Botanical Alternatives: Toward Safer, Evidence-Based Gold Recovery→