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 | Posted - 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 →
Research Context
This article contributes to Bruce A. Cosgrove's broader research into mercury-free gold recovery, alternative extraction chemistry, and environmentally compatible mineral-processing systems →
The research examines plant-derived lixiviants, alternative complexation chemistry, solution behavior, mercury-reduction strategies, and lower-toxicity approaches to gold extraction and artisanal and small-scale mining.
🌿 Explore Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery →
Explore the research, publications, and applied chemistry behind botanical and alternative approaches to mercury- and cyanide-dependent gold-processing systems.