The new CyPlus Idesa sodium cyanide production plant was officially opened with an inauguration ceremony in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico in the presence of Dr. Klaus Engel, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) and Patricio Gutiérrez Fernandez, chairman of CyPlus Idesa (www.cyplus.com).
CyPlus Idesa is a joint venture (JV) between Evonik and Grupo Idesa S.A. De C.V. (Mexico City, Mexico; www.grupoidesa.com).
The new sodium cyanide plant has a capacity of 40,000 metric tons and uses state-of-the-art hydrocyanic acid and cyanide technologies. Special attention was dedicated to the compliance of all environmental and safety regulations ensuring that production of sodium cyanide complies with the provisions of the “International Cyanide Management Code” (ICMC).
Mining operations in the gold and silver mining industry use sodium cyanide to extract precious metals from the mineral. Mexico is the number one producer of silver in the world and ranks among the top 15 producers of gold worldwide.
“The new local production facility will make us an even better and more flexible supplier for our customers in the region. The facility represents another important step in the growth strategy of Evonik,” says Klaus Engel.
In addition to representatives of both companies’ top management, the inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Federal government, the state of Veracruz and the city of Coatzacoalcos. Further invitees included customers and suppliers.
CyPlus Idesa started up production in close and trustful collaboration with the joint venture partner, who already operates chemical plants in Coatzacoalcos. Evonik has brought production technology and process know how to the joint project, while Grupo IDESA made key contributions based on its more than sixty years of experience in the Mexican chemical sector.