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Need alternative to cyanide stripping of gold

We presently use a Cyanide bath to strip material of gold and would like to find an alternate method which is less dangerous.

Gene Artinius
- Manchester, New Hampshire
2006

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2006

Hi Gene,
I have tried to use non-cyanide gold strippers in the past, with poor results. They had to be heated to a high temperature, and took forever to strip the gold. It was a good thing I got the chemicals in on trial basis. You may want to call some precious metal suppliers (for electroplating), or a reputable refiner may know of a good product they currently use. Hope you find something.

Mark Baker
process engineer - Malone, New York

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Slightly acidified gold chloride as electrolytic etching solution can be used (object=anode),or aqua regia solution(if electrolytic method is not possible).

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2006

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Hello Goran,

Thanks for the input.

Gene Artinius
- Manchester, New Hampshire
2006

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Hi..

you may try this..

40% NaOH added with 23% sodium metabisulfite..Use ultrasonic system..The gold will be removed..

Monggoluton
- Malaysia
November 18, 2009