Sodium cyanide is a white solid inorganic compound with the formula NaCN. Sodium cyanide is mainly used as a reagent in the mining industry for the isolation of precious metals. It is also used as a raw material in pharmaceutical, dyes, agrochemical and metal industries.
In 2012, the global sodium cyanide capacity was over 1.15 million tonnes. Asia, North America and Europe together accounted for approximately 83% of the global capacity.
Sodium cyanide capacity broken down by region, 2012
In 2009-2012, the world sodium cyanide market witnessed stable growth. In 2012, the global sodium cyanide production increased by nearly 35,000 tonnes and climbed to 797,000 tonnes.
Asia is the world’s dominant producer of sodium cyanide, accounting for almost 55% of the overall production volume. China, the USA, Australia, the republic of Korea and Germany are the top five producers of sodium cyanide. In 2012, their combined production volume was over 650,000 tonnes.
World sodium cyanide production by country in 2012
Cyanco Company LLC, Hebei Chengxin Co., Anhui Shuguang Chemical Group, Dupont, Orica Chemicals Pty., Taekwang Industrial Co. and Australian Gold Reagents Pty are amid leading sodium cyanide companies.
Asia is the world’s leading sodium cyanide consumer with the local consumption volume of over 340,000 tonnes in 2012. It is followed by Latin America and Europe, having nearly the same consumption volumes of sodium cyanide.
Asia and North America are the leading sodium cyanide exporters, while Latin America and Europe import the largest volumes of the product.
The global sodium cyanide market is poised to experience steady growth in the years to come, driven by planned capacity additions and constantly increasing demand. The worldwide sodium cyanide production is forecast to surpass a 915,000 tonnes mark in 2015.
More information on the sodium cyanide market can be found in the report Sodium Cyanide 2013 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2017