Gold Recovery Chemicals: A Hidden Safety Risk?

A tragic incident in Hyderabad has raised concerns over the handling of highly toxic chemicals in jewellery related establishments. A young child reportedly swallowed cyanide kept at a jewellery shop for use in gold related work and died within minutes. The incident has highlighted the need for strict safety measures, secure chemical storage and greater awareness among jewellery shop owners and workers. Cyanide is extremely poisonous and can be fatal even in small amounts.

Certain cyanide compounds, including sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide, are used in specialised gold recovery, refining and electroplating processes. However, these chemicals are not required in every jewellery shop, particularly ordinary retail outlets that only sell ornaments. Their handling requires trained personnel, appropriate safety systems and compliance with applicable legal requirements. Unauthorised access, improper storage or careless handling can put workers, customers and children at serious risk.

India regulates hazardous chemicals through laws and safety standards, including the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989, wherever applicable. Requirements may vary depending on the chemical, quantity and nature of the operation. Cyanide containing waste must also be managed in accordance with relevant pollution-control and hazardous waste rules rather than being discarded carelessly. Researchers at CSIR National Metallurgical Laboratory have also developed a cyanide free process for recovering gold from gold coated surfaces. The incident has renewed calls for safer chemical handling and the adoption of suitable alternatives wherever possible.