Gold mining laboratories play a key role in supporting both production activities and environmental compliance. Routine cyanide analysis is essential for monitoring leaching processes, assessing detoxification efficiency and analysing tailings, but laboratories are often expected to process numerous samples while maintaining consistent analytical performance.
For this reason, many laboratories look for analytical solutions that simplify routine work without compromising the quality of the results. Systea's μMAC-LABII Cyanide has been developed to meet these operational needs. The fully automated bench-top analyser supports WAD, free and total cyanide determinations on a single platform using Microloop Flow Reactor (μFLR) technology. It can be configured with an 8-position sampler, while higher-capacity samplers can be evaluated for laboratories managing larger analytical workloads.
How can routine cyanide analysis become more efficient?
Routine laboratory activities require instruments that fit naturally into established workflows. The μMAC-LABII Cyanide has been designed for mine-site laboratories as well as central laboratories supporting gold mining operations. Its integrated 8-inch colour touch screen allows operators to manage the main functions directly from the analyser, eliminating the need for a dedicated PC during routine operation.
Once the worklist has been prepared, analyses can start using predefined method profiles. The system then operates unattended, allowing laboratory personnel to focus on other activities while the analytical sequence continues automatically. At the end of the run, the analyser performs the washing procedure and switches to standby mode without consuming reagents.
Designed for routine laboratory workflows
Reliable routine analysis also depends on straightforward calibration and data management. The analyser includes programmable two-point calibration using zero and full-scale standards together with programmable quality control checks before each run.
Results are stored with date, time, concentration and signal data before being exported through a USB flash drive or transferred to a PC using HyperTerminal or equivalent software.
The instrument can also be equipped with an 8-position sequential Minisampler compatible with both 100 mL and 250 mL bottles, offering a practical configuration for laboratories performing routine cyanide
One platform for the main cyanide determinations
Gold mining laboratories often need different cyanide determinations depending on the stage of the process.
WAD cyanide analysis follows ASTM D6888-16 and combines ligand exchange, gas diffusion and amperometric detection to monitor weak acid dissociable cyanide in process solutions and tailings.
Free cyanide analysis follows ASTM D7237-18, supporting cyanidation process control by measuring free cyanide ions together with metal cyanide complexes that dissociate between pH 6 and pH 8.
Total cyanide analysis follows ASTM D7511-12 and includes in-line UV digestion before gas diffusion and amperometric detection, supporting environmental monitoring and effluent treatment.
Using the same automated platform for these determinations allows laboratories to address different analytical requirements without changing instrumentation.
Technical performance for laboratory applications
The standard analytical range extends from 0–100 ppb to 0–10 ppm, with a detection limit of 1 ppb at the lowest range.
WAD and free cyanide analyses require approximately 10 minutes per sample, while total cyanide analysis typically takes between 25 and 35 minutes depending on the selected range.
Routine maintenance is scheduled annually, the gas diffusion membrane is normally replaced every two months and consumables are limited to sample tubes, helping laboratories keep routine activities straightforward.
Supporting everyday gold mining laboratory operations
Gold mining laboratories need analytical solutions that support routine activities while meeting the requirements of process control and environmental compliance.
The μMAC-LABII Cyanide combines automated operation with recognised ASTM methods in a compact bench-top configuration developed specifically for laboratory applications.
If your laboratory is looking for an automated approach to cyanide analysis, discover how the µMAC-LABII Cyanide can support routine applications in the gold mining sector and explore its technical specifications.