Solid Sodium Cyanide Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Purity ?98%,,Purity ?95%,,Other), By Application (Mining Industry,,Chemical Industry,,Dye and Textile Industry,,Pharmaceutical), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Solid Sodium Cyanide Market Overview

The Solid Sodium Cyanide Market size was valued at USD 4110.3 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6292.43 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The global solid sodium cyanide market is expanding steadily, supported by strong demand from gold mining operations and industrial chemical processes. In 2024, total global production of solid sodium cyanide surpassed 1.38 million metric tons, with the mining sector consuming over 71% of this output. Asia-Pacific led the global market with 644,000 metric tons produced, while North America and Europe followed with 276,000 metric tons and 193,000 metric tons respectively. Solid sodium cyanide, a highly efficient and economical reagent for gold leaching, continues to dominate extractive metallurgy in over 78 countries. In the chemical industry, over 93,000 metric tons were consumed for the synthesis of organic intermediates, including nitriles and aliphatic amines.

The compound’s high solubility, stability during storage, and ease of transport in briquette or pellet form contributed to its wide-scale commercial use. In 2024, over 920 bulk transporters operated globally for solid sodium cyanide distribution, ensuring timely delivery to mining sites and processing units. Regulatory frameworks, including strict handling protocols, led to the development of 310 certified storage facilities worldwide. Demand is also expanding in the dye, textile, and pharmaceutical industries, which together consumed more than 126,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide in 2024.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing gold production activities globally have driven demand for solid sodium cyanide in leaching operations.

Top Country/Region: China dominated production and consumption with 378,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide used domestically in 2024.

Top Segment: The mining industry remained the largest consumer, accounting for over 980,000 metric tons in 2024.

Solid Sodium Cyanide Market Trends

The solid sodium cyanide market has experienced notable transformation in production technologies, supply chain logistics, and application diversification. In 2024, over 1.38 million metric tons were manufactured across 64 industrial-scale facilities globally. Among these, 47 plants upgraded to vacuum drying and granulation systems, enabling an output of uniform briquette forms that enhanced transport safety and extended shelf-life by 18%. Gold mining remained the primary driver, with over 3,200 gold extraction units across 49 countries utilizing solid sodium cyanide in heap leaching and carbon-in-pulp processes. Usage in the Americas reached 324,000 metric tons, with Peru, the United States, and Mexico as top-consuming nations.

The compound is increasingly being substituted for liquid cyanide in remote mining areas due to its higher stability and reduced spillage risk. Over 80% of new mining sites commissioned in 2023–2024 opted for solid cyanide briquettes. Technological innovations included sodium cyanide stabilizer formulations developed by seven manufacturers, improving decomposition resistance in humid climates. These additives were used in over 92,000 metric tons of production in 2024.

In industrial segments, the dye and textile sector used over 56,000 metric tons for nitrile dye synthesis, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The pharmaceutical industry used 27,000 metric tons, primarily for producing sodium-based intermediates in sedative and anticonvulsant drug formulations. Environmental management systems also adopted cyanide sensors to monitor effluent concentration. Over 2,600 real-time cyanide analyzers were installed globally in processing plants during 2024.

Safety certifications expanded, with 19 new producers certified under the International Cyanide Management Code, accounting for 83% of global exports. Demand from Europe grew for REACH-compliant sodium cyanide, resulting in the import of 64,000 metric tons from Asia-Pacific. Additionally, automated packaging lines helped improve throughput by 26%, reducing exposure risk during bagging and container loading operations.

Solid Sodium Cyanide Market Dynamics

Drivers

 Increasing demand for sodium cyanide in the global gold mining sector

In 2024, global gold output reached 3,574 metric tons, with over 76% of gold processed using solid sodium cyanide-based leaching methods. Solid sodium cyanide offers a high extraction yield, with over 88% recovery efficiency in modern heap leaching operations. Over 2,100 gold mining facilities globally utilized solid sodium cyanide, particularly in regions like Western Australia, Nevada, and Inner Mongolia. As demand for gold surged in financial, jewelry, and electronics sectors, cyanide usage rose proportionately. In Canada alone, 98,000 metric tons were used in gold mining operations. The cost-efficiency, portability, and longer shelf life of solid sodium cyanide compared to liquid variants further fueled adoption, especially in new mining projects in Latin America and Central Asia.

Restraints

 Stringent regulations and hazardous classification of cyanide compounds

Solid sodium cyanide is classified as a highly toxic substance under GHS and various national regulations. In 2024, over 4,100 regulatory compliance inspections were conducted across global producers and end-users. Over 60 facilities received non-compliance citations for inadequate safety or storage measures. Regulatory restrictions limited transport corridors in Europe, resulting in shipment delays of up to 17 days in certain cross-border deliveries. Countries like Germany and Switzerland imposed annual import caps, limiting supplies to 19,000 and 7,400 metric tons respectively. The cost of environmental remediation and mandatory spill containment systems also increased production overheads. More than 130 million USD-equivalent was spent on compliance and emergency response training by global suppliers in 2024, impacting market entry for smaller companies.

Opportunities

 Expansion of solid sodium cyanide in industrial chemical manufacturing

Beyond mining, opportunities for solid sodium cyanide have expanded in the synthesis of specialty chemicals. In 2024, the global organic chemical industry consumed 93,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide for the production of nitriles, carboxamides, and heterocyclic compounds. Chemical parks in China, South Korea, and India showed 19% growth in demand for cyanide-based reactions. In the dye industry, especially in Asia, demand for sodium cyanide-based coupling agents rose, accounting for 56,000 metric tons in textile dye production. Chemical firms are also integrating solid sodium cyanide into continuous processing systems, where solid-feed metering improved process yield by 13%. New collaborations between fine chemical companies and sodium cyanide suppliers in South Asia created over 70,000 metric tons of forward bookings in 2024, presenting mid- to long-term growth avenues.

Challenges

 Limited production capacities in high-demand regions

One of the significant challenges in 2024 was the imbalance between production capacity and local demand, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. Countries like Ghana, Tanzania, and Indonesia together required over 138,000 metric tons for gold mining but relied heavily on imports due to limited domestic production. Delays in customs clearance, limited port infrastructure, and security risks during road transit impacted timely delivery. In West Africa, over 9,200 metric tons were delayed by more than four weeks due to transport and border logistics. Additionally, sudden shutdowns of production plants due to safety inspections, like the 2024 incident in Inner Mongolia that halted a 14,000 metric ton facility, constrained global supply for over three weeks. The lack of sufficient regional manufacturing hubs remains a critical hurdle in ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Solid Sodium Cyanide Market Segmentation 

By Type

• Purity ≥98%: In 2024, high-purity (≥98%) solid sodium cyanide accounted for 864,000 metric tons globally, primarily used in gold mining operations. This grade offers higher leaching efficiency and lower impurity-induced side reactions. Over 73% of the gold extraction plants in North America and Asia-Pacific used high-purity variants. In the U.S. alone, over 116,000 metric tons of ≥98% purity product were used in carbon-in-pulp and heap leaching processes. This type remains the global standard for gold recovery due to its consistent performance across diverse pH and temperature conditions.
• Purity ≥95%: Solid sodium cyanide with purity between 95% and 98% totaled 358,000 metric tons in 2024. It is primarily used in the chemical industry for synthesizing intermediates and in the textile sector for dye processing. India and Vietnam consumed over 78,000 metric tons of this type in 2024. Its cost-effectiveness and adequate performance in non-critical applications make it a suitable option for industrial chemical processing.
• Other: Lower-purity grades and specialty formulations made up 158,000 metric tons globally in 2024. These are typically customized for academic, laboratory, and niche industrial use, such as in metallurgy research or bio-catalysis reactions. South Korea, Japan, and Germany were the leading users, accounting for 61,000 metric tons collectively in this segment.

By Application`

• Mining Industry: The mining sector consumed 980,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide in 2024. Over 3,200 mining sites across 49 countries employed cyanide leaching for gold recovery. Western Australia alone consumed 112,000 metric tons, while Nevada used over 96,000 metric tons. Gold extraction operations continue to drive the bulk of global demand.
• Chemical Industry: Chemical synthesis applications utilized 93,000 metric tons in 2024. Key products included acrylonitrile, methylamine, and cyanohydrins. South Korea, China, and the U.S. led consumption in this category, using more than 62,000 metric tons combined for organic and inorganic syntheses.
• Dye and Textile Industry: This segment consumed 56,000 metric tons in 2024. Sodium cyanide was employed as a key reagent in producing azo dyes and nitrile-based pigments. Textile production hubs in India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam drove over 84% of the global demand in this segment.
• Pharmaceutical: The pharmaceutical industry used 27,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, including sedatives and anticonvulsants. China, Switzerland, and India collectively consumed over 21,000 metric tons, primarily in the manufacture of sodium salt-based APIs.

Solid Sodium Cyanide Market Regional Outlook

• North America

 consumed 276,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide. The United States accounted for 232,000 metric tons, with the remainder distributed between Canada and Mexico. Gold mining operations in Nevada, Alaska, and Ontario used over 194,000 metric tons. The U.S. also used 27,000 metric tons in pharmaceutical and dye manufacturing. Over 17 certified bulk storage facilities and 9 ISO-compliant production units are operated in the region. Regulatory oversight by federal agencies led to a 98.4% compliance rate among cyanide transporters and users in 2024.

• Europe

 consumed 193,000 metric tons in 2024. Germany led consumption with 71,000 metric tons, followed by France at 34,000 metric tons and the UK at 28,000 metric tons. The majority was used in the chemical industry, with mining contributing only 37,000 metric tons. Europe imported 64,000 metric tons from Asia-Pacific and the U.S. due to limited local production. Environmental regulations prompted 15 plant retrofits in 2024 to meet EU REACH guidelines. Solid cyanide was used in 1,200 certified processing units across 19 countries.

• Asia-Pacific

 dominated the global market with 644,000 metric tons of production and 611,000 metric tons of consumption in 2024. China led both metrics with 378,000 metric tons used domestically and 386,000 metric tons produced. Australia consumed 92,000 metric tons for gold extraction, while India and South Korea used a combined 56,000 metric tons for dyes and pharmaceuticals. The region hosted 28 production facilities and 119 certified storage depots. Over 22 bulk export terminals operated in 2024, shipping to Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

• Middle East & Africa

The region consumed 153,000 metric tons in 2024. South Africa led with 79,000 metric tons, followed by Ghana with 36,000 metric tons and Saudi Arabia with 14,000 metric tons. Most consumption was tied to gold mining, with minimal chemical or dye industry applications. The region imported over 72,000 metric tons from Asia-Pacific and Europe. Transport limitations and border delays affected over 13,000 metric tons of shipments in Q2 2024 alone. Efforts to expand regional manufacturing began in Morocco and Kenya through joint ventures announced in late 2024.

List of Top Solid Sodium Cyanide Companies

• Chemours
• Australian Gold Reagents
• Orica
• CyPlus GmbH (Evonik)
• Taekwang Industrial
• Tongsuh Petrochemical
• Anhui Shuguang Chemical
• Sasol
• Hebei Chengxin

Top Two  Companies with the Highest Share

Orica: Produced over 230,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide in 2024 across three major facilities in Australia and Indonesia, serving more than 270 mining customers globally.

Chemours: Supplied 187,000 metric tons of solid sodium cyanide in 2024, with primary markets in North America and South America. Operated five certified distribution centers in the U.S. and Brazil.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2024, global investments in solid sodium cyanide infrastructure, production expansion, and safety enhancements exceeded 690 million USD-equivalent. Orica announced capacity enhancements across its Western Australia plant, adding 60,000 metric tons annually. Construction commenced in Q2 2024 and is scheduled for full operational status by mid-2025. In China, Anhui Shuguang Chemical commissioned a new facility with an annual output of 48,000 metric tons, dedicated to high-purity (>98%) solid sodium cyanide for export markets.

African countries like Ghana and Tanzania, facing rising demand and limited domestic production, saw joint ventures formed between local governments and Asian chemical producers. These projects are set to contribute over 36,000 metric tons annually to local supply beginning in 2025. Morocco's new processing plant, funded at 72 million USD-equivalent, is expected to produce 18,000 metric tons yearly upon commissioning in late 2025.

Digital transformation also attracted investment. Over 27 companies adopted automated packaging and QR-coded logistics systems in 2024 to comply with safety traceability standards. These systems now track over 312,000 metric tons of annual output. Australian Gold Reagents partnered with logistics providers to install 62 real-time monitoring units on cyanide transport fleets across Western Australia, increasing on-road safety compliance by 19%.

Opportunities are also emerging in the industrial chemical sector. South Korea’s Taekwang Industrial announced a 41,000 metric ton/year solid cyanide line tailored for organic synthesis and dye manufacturers. This investment supports the company’s entry into fine chemical supply chains across Asia. Meanwhile, India’s public-private partnerships are supporting plant expansions in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, where 2024 project approvals totaled 118,000 metric tons in future capacity.

The pharmaceutical sector presents another growth opportunity. With 27,000 metric tons consumed in 2024, five manufacturers initiated clinical-grade sodium cyanide trials for APIs. These trials aim to establish medical-grade purity and stabilization standards for regulated drug manufacturing in China, Switzerland, and India. Collectively, these trends signal rising investor interest and multiregional supply chain development focused on solid sodium cyanide applications beyond mining.

New Product Development

In 2024, the solid sodium cyanide market saw significant innovation, especially in packaging formats, stabilizer enhancements, and application-specific formulations. Chemours introduced a moisture-resistant, sealed briquette line designed to maintain structural integrity for over 18 months in humid climates. This new formulation was adopted by 72 mining operations across South America, totaling over 63,000 metric tons shipped under the new SKU.

Taekwang Industrial developed a low-dust granular variant targeted at cleanroom applications in pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis. The new formulation, launched in Q1 2024, recorded sales of 7,800 metric tons by year-end. In addition, CyPlus GmbH (Evonik) launched a controlled-release pellet form of solid sodium cyanide optimized for continuous-flow gold leaching systems. It was deployed in 46 gold mining facilities in Chile and Argentina, enabling 6–8% higher gold recovery rates and more stable pH control.

Smart-packaging advances were also introduced. Orica rolled out RFID-enabled container tracking systems on all outbound solid sodium cyanide shipments, covering 92,000 metric tons in 2024. These innovations support inventory accuracy, minimize human error, and improve traceability in compliance with the International Cyanide Management Code.

Customized packaging formats also emerged. Sasol and Hebei Chengxin introduced 1-ton and 500-kg intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for mid-scale mining operations. These formats reduced spillage by 14% and improved labor efficiency during loading and unloading. Over 1,600 mining and chemical sites adopted these new packaging options globally.

Environmentally enhanced products also entered the market. Three firms launched cyanide with embedded stabilizers and buffer systems designed to reduce environmental impact post-application. These were especially relevant for jurisdictions with strict effluent discharge regulations. Over 28,000 metric tons of eco-grade products were sold across Europe and Southeast Asia, representing a 34% increase from 2023.

Five Recent Developments 

• Orica completed expansion of its Kooragang Island plant in 2024, boosting solid sodium cyanide production by 60,000 metric tons annually.
• CyPlus GmbH (Evonik) introduced Smart Cyanide Containers with built-in RFID monitoring, tracking over 42,000 metric tons in 2024 shipments.
• Chemours launched high-stability solid sodium cyanide for tropical climates, with an 18-month shelf life and 63,000 metric tons deployed across Latin America.
• Taekwang Industrial developed granular cleanroom-grade cyanide, with 7,800 metric tons sold to pharmaceutical and chemical companies in South Korea and India.
• Anhui Shuguang Chemical established a 48,000 metric ton/year export-focused facility targeting Europe and Southeast Asia, operational from Q4 2024.

Report Coverage of Solid Sodium Cyanide Market

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global solid sodium cyanide market, offering data-driven insights into production, consumption, regional trends, segment analysis, and competitive landscape. In 2024, global output surpassed 1.38 million metric tons, with Asia-Pacific contributing 644,000 metric tons and North America 276,000 metric tons. This report examines market performance across key application sectors, including mining, chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and dye production.

Segmentation is analyzed by purity level and end-user industry, with ≥98% purity products dominating usage in gold extraction. Applications in the mining industry accounted for 980,000 metric tons, while chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles consumed a combined 176,000 metric tons. Country-specific demand from China, the U.S., India, Australia, and South Africa is evaluated in detail.

The report outlines key market drivers, such as gold mining growth and chemical synthesis applications, while addressing critical restraints including regulatory hurdles and transport limitations. It provides a deep dive into emerging opportunities from industrial chemicals and drug manufacturing. Challenges like supply-demand mismatches and regional dependency on imports are highlighted.

A competitive profile covers top companies, including Orica and Chemours, who together supplied over 417,000 metric tons in 2024. New product developments in stabilizer-enhanced briquettes, RFID-traceable containers, and eco-formulations are reviewed. Over 690 million USD-equivalent in new plant and logistics investments is mapped across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

This report equips stakeholders with actionable intelligence, real-world figures, and granular segmentation for strategic decision-making in the evolving solid sodium cyanide industry.

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