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.,| Independent Scientific Researcher | Published: peer reviewed - Environmental Chemistry eJournal | January 31, 2025, 

Structured Research Record

DOI:10.2139/ssrn.5049829 →

Structured Record:Wikidata →   

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.  

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

System Context

Scientific Context

This article is grounded in applied botanical systems research and connects to the following publications:

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