
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
CAGR | 3.00 % |
Market Concentration | High |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Sodium Cyanide Market Analysis
The Africa Sodium Cyanide Market is expected to register a CAGR of greater than 3% during the forecast period.
The African mining industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by technological advancements and sustainable mining practices. The Syama underground gold mine in Mali has emerged as the world's first fully autonomous mine operation, featuring fully automated trucks, drills, and loaders operating 24 hours a day under remote supervision. This technological revolution is reshaping operational efficiency across the continent's mining sector, with several major mining companies investing in similar automation initiatives. The integration of advanced technologies is not only improving productivity but also enhancing safety standards and environmental compliance across mining operations.
The chemical manufacturing landscape in Africa is witnessing substantial evolution, particularly in South Africa's industrial sector. The chemical sector accounts for approximately 25% of the manufacturing sales in South Africa, establishing itself as the most developed chemical industry in Africa. Major chemical manufacturers are increasingly focusing on modernizing their chemicals management systems and implementing environmentally sustainable practices. The industry is experiencing a shift toward more sophisticated production methods and enhanced quality control measures, driven by growing domestic and international demand for chemical intermediates and chemical reagents.
Investment flows into Africa's mining sector have shown remarkable momentum, with several significant projects under development. The African Union's African Mining Vision 2050 has established a new resource-based industrialization strategy, focusing on downstream, upstream, and side stream linkages. Both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and West African Economic Monetary Union (WAEMU) have developed comprehensive mineral development strategies to attract foreign investment and promote sustainable mining practices. These initiatives are complemented by regional governments implementing attractive FDI policies and streamlined regulatory frameworks, which are crucial for the growth of mining chemicals and metallurgical chemicals.
The textile and apparel industry is emerging as a promising sector for sodium cyanide application, particularly in dye production. According to the African Development Bank, Ethiopia has set an ambitious target of generating USD 30 billion in export revenue from the textile, apparel, and accessories sector by 2030. The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has stimulated significant investments from Turkish, Indian, and Chinese textile companies, particularly in Ethiopia and Kenya. The industry is witnessing substantial growth in East Africa, which has established itself as a prominent sourcing hub for textile and garment products, supported by various government initiatives and international partnerships.
Sodium Cyanide Market Trends
Increasing Demand from the Gold Mining Activities
The gold mining industry continues to be a major driver for sodium cyanide demand in Africa, with the region emerging as a significant hub for global mining operations. Sodium cyanide plays a crucial role in gold extraction chemicals through leaching processes, where ore is crushed into fine powder and treated with sodium cyanide solution to form water-soluble gold compounds. The process is particularly favored due to its economic viability, ease of processing, and environmental sustainability compared to alternative extraction methods. The region's gold mining sector has shown remarkable strength, producing 680.3 metric tons of gold in 2021, with Ghana emerging as the second-largest supplier in Africa, producing approximately 90 metric tons of gold in 2022.
West Africa has become a prime destination for gold exploration, attracting substantial international investment due to its largely untapped mineral reserves. The region's growing mining infrastructure is evidenced by its impressive portfolio of gold assets, including 367 projects in the exploration stage, 24 assets under economic assessment, and 61 assets in either production or construction phases. Major mining operations like the South Deep gold mine, Kromdraai gold mine, and Mponeng gold mine continue to drive demand for sodium cyanide in their extraction processes. The presence of numerous international mining companies and ongoing development of new mining projects further strengthens the demand outlook for mining reagents in the region's gold mining sector.
Increasing Demand for Use in Chemical and Polymer Synthesis
The chemical industry represents a significant driver for sodium cyanide consumption, particularly in South Africa, where the chemical sector accounts for approximately 25% of the nation's manufacturing sales. NaCN finds extensive applications in various chemical processes, including the manufacture of polymers, cyanuric chloride, and cyanogen chloride. The chemical manufacturing sector's growth is supported by South Africa's robust industrial infrastructure and its position as one of the major chemical industry hubs in Africa. The presence of significant raw material sources and increasing foreign investment continues to create substantial growth opportunities in the country's chemical sector.
The demand for sodium cyanide in polymer synthesis and other chemical applications is further strengthened by the expanding plastic manufacturing industry in Africa. The chemical sector serves as a crucial upstream component for both mining and agricultural sectors, creating a diverse demand base for gold processing chemicals. Major chemical manufacturers like Sasol, which operates dedicated sodium cyanide production facilities in compliance with the International Cyanide Management Code, continue to support the growing demand from various chemical applications. The integration of the chemical sector with other industrial segments, including metal treatment, dye manufacturing, and agrochemical production, further drives the consumption of mining reagents in chemical synthesis applications.
Segment Analysis: By End-User Industry
Mining and Metallurgy Segment in Africa Sodium Cyanide Market
The mining and metallurgy segment dominates the Africa sodium cyanide market, accounting for approximately 81% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the extensive use of sodium cyanide in gold extraction and processing operations across major mining regions in Africa. The segment's dominance is particularly evident in countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Sudan, which are among the largest gold producers on the continent. The effectiveness and economic viability of sodium cyanide in gold extraction processes, particularly in leaching operations where gold molecules form strong bonds with sodium cyanide to become water-soluble, has made it an indispensable chemical in the mining industry. The segment also benefits from the presence of numerous world-class gold deposits and ongoing mining operations across the region, with many countries having vast reserves of gold that require sodium cyanide for extraction processes.

Chemical Segment in Africa Sodium Cyanide Market
The chemical segment represents the second-largest application area in the Africa sodium cyanide market, with significant growth potential in the manufacture of various chemical intermediates such as polymers, cyanuric chloride, and cyanogen chloride. The segment's growth is driven by increasing demand in plastic manufacturing and recycling industries, particularly in countries like South Africa and Nigeria. The expansion of chemical manufacturing capabilities and the growing focus on developing local chemical production facilities are expected to further boost the segment's growth. The chemical segment is witnessing increased investments in the modernization of chemical management systems and new manufacturing facilities, particularly in South Africa where the chemical sector accounts for about 25% of manufacturing sales.
Remaining Segments in End-User Industry
Other end-user industries in the Africa sodium cyanide market include applications in fertilizers, agrochemicals, and metal treatment chemicals processes. These segments play a supporting role in the overall market, with applications ranging from electroplating chemicals and heat treatment of metals to the production of various agricultural chemicals. The segment's growth is influenced by the agricultural sector's development in various African countries, though the impact is relatively modest compared to the mining and chemical segments. The diverse applications in these remaining segments provide a stable baseline demand for sodium cyanide, contributing to the overall market stability despite their smaller market share.
Africa Sodium Cyanide Market Geography Segment Analysis
Sodium Cyanide Market in South Africa
South Africa remains the dominant force in Africa's sodium cyanide market, commanding approximately 19% of the regional market volume. The country's robust mining infrastructure and established chemical manufacturing base provide strong foundations for sodium cyanide consumption. The presence of major gold mines, including the South Deep gold mine with reserves extending until 2092, continues to drive steady demand. The chemical industry in South Africa, being one of the most developed in Africa, accounts for about 25% of manufacturing sales, further supporting sodium cyanide usage. The country's high mechanical plastic recycling rates, around 43% with a capacity to recycle 330,700 metric tons of plastic annually, also contribute to sustained demand. Despite challenges in the gold mining sector, including geological complexities in tapping the world's deepest mines, South Africa maintains its position as a key market through diversified end-use applications across mining, chemical reagents synthesis, and polymer production sectors.
Sodium Cyanide Market in Ghana
Ghana has emerged as a rapidly expanding market for sodium cyanide, projected to grow at approximately 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The country's transformation into a major gold mining hub has been driven by lower operational costs and business-friendly policies that have attracted significant investments from global mining companies. The presence of eight major operational gold mines, coupled with new project developments, has created a robust demand environment for sodium cyanide. The country's strategic focus on formalizing and regulating its mining sector, particularly through the establishment of government-controlled trading centers, has helped create a more structured market for mining chemicals. The GDP contribution from mining continues to be significant, with gold mining operations being designated as essential services, ensuring consistent demand for sodium cyanide even during challenging economic periods. The country's mining sector benefits from substantial investments from major gold producers like Newmont, Gold Fields, and AngloGold, supporting sustained growth in sodium cyanide consumption.
Sodium Cyanide Market in Mali
Mali has established itself as a crucial market for sodium cyanide, supported by its position as Africa's fourth-largest gold producer. The country's mining sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and technological advancement, exemplified by the Syama underground gold mine becoming the world's first fully autonomous mine operation. This technological leadership, achieved through partnership with Swedish engineering company Sandvik, enables 24-hour operations with fully automated trucks, drills, and loaders. The country's strategic location in the West African gold belt has attracted significant foreign investment, with major mining complexes like Loulo and Gounkoto driving consistent demand for sodium cyanide. The government's supportive stance toward mining modernization and expansion projects, including significant investments in processing capacity upgrades, has created a favorable environment for market growth. The presence of both large-scale mining operations and artisanal mining activities contributes to a diverse demand base for sodium cyanide in the country.
Sodium Cyanide Market in Sudan
Sudan has developed into a significant consumer of sodium cyanide, driven by its substantial gold mining sector and ambitious production targets. The country's mining landscape is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern mining operations, with over 400 national and foreign companies actively engaged in gold exploration. The government's initiatives to formalize the mining sector and attract foreign investment have created new opportunities for sodium cyanide suppliers. The presence of major mining projects, including those operated by established companies like Orca Gold Inc., has helped maintain steady demand for mining chemicals. The country's vast unexplored mineral potential, particularly in the gold-rich regions, continues to attract investment interest. The government's efforts to modernize the mining sector and improve regulatory oversight have created a more structured market environment for metallurgical chemicals, including gold leaching chemicals.
Sodium Cyanide Market in Other Countries
The sodium cyanide market in other African countries presents a diverse landscape of opportunities and challenges. Countries like Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Guinea each contribute significantly to the regional market dynamics. These markets are characterized by varying levels of mining sector development, regulatory frameworks, and investment climates. The presence of both established mining operations and emerging projects across these countries creates a complex demand pattern for sodium cyanide. The ongoing efforts to modernize mining operations, improve regulatory compliance, and attract foreign investment are shaping market development in these regions. The growing focus on sustainable mining practices and the implementation of stricter environmental regulations are influencing sodium cyanide consumption patterns across these markets. The development of new mining projects and the expansion of existing operations continue to create growth opportunities in these emerging markets.
Sodium Cyanide Industry Overview
Top Companies in Africa Sodium Cyanide Market
The Africa sodium cyanide market features prominent global players, including Australian Gold Reagents, Evonik Industries, Sasol, Orica Limited, and The Chemours Company. These companies are increasingly focusing on technological advancements and the digitalization of their operations to enhance productivity and maintain a competitive advantage. Product innovation remains a key focus area, with companies investing in research and development to develop safer and more efficient cyanide compound formulations. Strategic expansions through facility upgrades and capacity additions, particularly in key mining regions, demonstrate the companies' commitment to serving the growing market demand. Operational excellence initiatives, including predictive maintenance and yield optimization, are being implemented to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Companies are also strengthening their distribution networks and technical support services to better serve customers across the African continent.
Concentrated Market with Strong Regional Players
The competitive landscape of the African sodium cyanide market is characterized by a mix of global chemical conglomerates and specialized mining chemical manufacturers. The market structure exhibits moderate concentration, with a few key players holding significant market share through their established manufacturing facilities and distribution networks. These companies leverage their integrated operations and extensive experience in the chemical reagent sector to maintain their competitive positions. The presence of strong regional players, particularly in South Africa, adds another dimension to the competitive dynamics.
Merger and acquisition activities in the market are primarily driven by the need to expand geographical presence and strengthen vertical integration capabilities. Companies are increasingly pursuing strategic partnerships and joint ventures to enhance their market position and access new customer segments. The competitive intensity is further influenced by the high barriers to entry, including stringent regulatory requirements and substantial capital investments needed for establishing production facilities. Local manufacturing presence and strong relationships with mining companies serve as critical competitive advantages in this market.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success
Success in the African sodium cyanide market increasingly depends on companies' ability to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Market incumbents are focusing on developing eco-friendly production processes and implementing advanced safety protocols to maintain their leadership positions. The ability to provide comprehensive technical support, ensure reliable supply chains, and maintain consistent product quality are becoming crucial differentiators. Companies are also investing in digital solutions and automation technologies to optimize their operations and better serve their customers.
For contenders looking to gain market share, developing strong relationships with key mining companies and establishing robust local distribution networks are essential strategies. The high concentration of end-users in the gold mining sector necessitates a focused approach to customer relationship management and technical service capabilities. While the threat of substitution remains low due to sodium cyanide's crucial role in gold extraction, companies must stay prepared for potential regulatory changes regarding environmental protection and safety standards. Future success in the market will largely depend on the ability to adapt to evolving customer needs while maintaining compliance with increasingly stringent regulations.
Sodium Cyanide Market Leaders
-
Sasol
-
Orica Limited
-
TAEKWANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
-
TSPC
-
Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Sodium Cyanide Market News
- January 2023: Shortages of sodium cyanide in Tanzania has hampered the country's large and medium sclae miners.
- April 2022: Australian Gold Reagents (AGR) announced plans to expand its sodium cyanide production at its Kwinana, Western Australia facility to support the growing global demand for gold. It will increase AGR's production capacity by circa 30,000 tons per annum from its existing production of more than 90,000 tons annually, with sodium cyanide to be used in gold mining operations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Sodium Cyanide Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
-
4.1 Drivers
- 4.1.1 Increasing Demand from the Gold Mining Activities
- 4.1.2 Increasing Demand for Use in Chemical and Polymer Synthesis
-
4.2 Restraints
- 4.2.1 Toxicity of Sodium Cyanide
- 4.3 Industry Value-Chain Analysis
-
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
- 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
- 4.4.5 Degree of Competition
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Volume)
-
5.1 End-user Industry
- 5.1.1 Mining
- 5.1.2 Chemical
- 5.1.3 Other End-user Industries
-
5.2 Geography
- 5.2.1 Ghana
- 5.2.2 Burkina Faso
- 5.2.3 Egypt
- 5.2.4 Tanzania
- 5.2.5 Zimbabwe
- 5.2.6 Mali
- 5.2.7 Democratic Republic of Congo
- 5.2.8 Sudan
- 5.2.9 Guinea
- 5.2.10 South Africa
- 5.2.11 Rest of Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
- 6.2 Market Ranking Analysis
-
6.3 Company Profiles
- 6.3.1 Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd
- 6.3.2 Evonik Industries AG
- 6.3.3 HeBei ChengXin
- 6.3.4 Honeywell International Inc.
- 6.3.5 Orica Limited
- 6.3.6 Sasol
- 6.3.7 TAEKWANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
- 6.3.8 TSPC
- 6.3.9 The Chemours Company
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
- 7.1 Discovery of New Mines
Sodium Cyanide Industry Segmentation
Sodium cyanide is a colorless sodium salt whose crystals belong to the cubic crystal system. Its aqueous solutions are fundamental due to the presence of cyanide ions. The sodium cyanide market is segmented by end-user industry and geography. Based on the end-user industry, the market is segmented into mining, chemical, and other end-user industries. The report also covers the market size and forecasts in 10 countries. The market sizing and forecasts are based on volume (kilotons) for each segment.
End-user Industry | Mining |
Chemical | |
Other End-user Industries | |
Geography | Ghana |
Burkina Faso | |
Egypt | |
Tanzania | |
Zimbabwe | |
Mali | |
Democratic Republic of Congo | |
Sudan | |
Guinea | |
South Africa | |
Rest of Africa |
Sodium Cyanide Market Research FAQs
What is the current Africa Sodium Cyanide Market size?
The Africa Sodium Cyanide Market is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 3% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Africa Sodium Cyanide Market?
Sasol, Orica Limited, TAEKWANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD, TSPC and Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd are the major companies operating in the Africa Sodium Cyanide Market.
What years does this Africa Sodium Cyanide Market cover?
The report covers the Africa Sodium Cyanide Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Africa Sodium Cyanide Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
Africa Sodium Cyanide Market Research
Mordor Intelligence provides a comprehensive analysis of the sodium cyanide industry. This includes a detailed examination of NaCN and natrium cyanide applications across Africa. Our expertise covers the complete value chain of chemical reagents and chemical intermediates. We focus particularly on metallurgical chemicals and electroplating chemicals. The report, available as an easy-to-download PDF, offers an in-depth analysis of cyanide compounds and their industrial applications.
The research provides valuable insights for stakeholders involved in mining chemicals and gold extraction chemicals. It covers crucial aspects of gold leaching chemicals and mining reagents. Our analysis also includes metal treatment chemicals and metal finishing chemicals. Additionally, it offers a detailed examination of gold processing chemicals across African markets. This comprehensive report enables businesses to make informed decisions about technology adoption, investment opportunities, and operational strategies in the regional chemical sector.