13 APRIL 2022

 Australian Gold Reagents (AGR) is poised to expand its sodium cyanide production to support growing global demand for gold. 

A significant expansion of AGR’s sodium cyanide plant is being planned for construction in Kwinana, Western Australia. 

If approved, it will increase AGR’s production capacity by circa 30,000 tonnes per annum from its existing production of more than 90,000 tonnes per annum, with the sodium cyanide to be used in gold mining operations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East. 

AGR General Manager Barney Jones said he was excited about the potential to become the third largest sodium cyanide producer in the world for gold mining. 

“The expansion will consolidate AGR’s position as a high-quality supplier with a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and the environment,” Mr Jones said. 

“By applying the experience, expertise and safety credentials we have amassed over 35 years of operation, we will be able to capitalise on the efficiency and safety benefits that come from expanding on an existing industrial site.”

“We have an established, high-calibre and well-trained team already in place who can bring the project to fruition once we complete the necessary studies,” he said. 

To progress the expansion, AGR has completed project feasibility and front end engineering and design studies to explore the project options in more detail, including possible timings and implementation schedules. Further engineering work is underway to refine the preferred option. 

Depending on the findings of the study, the planned expansion may occur in full or in phases over a period of years, with all decisions to be underpinned by operational parameters and the status of the global gold market. 

The expansion is expected to deliver improved sustainability at the site through: 

• Efficiencies: By utilising the existing site, the expanded plant will connect into established infrastructure, delivering capital cost and operational efficiencies and safety benefits.

• Low risk: Wherever possible and practical, new equipment will match current plant design to reduce risk and enable maintenance efficiencies. 

• Water recycling: More than 80 per cent of waste water produced in the manufacturing process is expected to be recycled and used in the cooling towers of the expanded plant.

• Carbon emissions reductions: The proposed incinerator will lower emissions intensity compared to existing operations. Additionally the heat generated will be recovered to generate electricity. 

The proposed sodium cyanide plant expansion at Kwinana, Western Australia, is the next step forward in AGR’s journey. 

Approval to commence the expansion will be sought in the second half 2022.