Sodium Cyanide Price Falls in Argentina, Indonesia in Q1 2026
Sodium cyanide prices declined by 2.8% in Argentina and 2.2% in Indonesia during the first quarter of 2026, as demand from the mining sector softened.
The first quarter of 2026 saw a softer tone in global sodium cyanide markets, with demand from the mining sector experiencing a slowdown. Prices in Argentina fell by 2.8% and in Indonesia by 2.2%, as gold mining operations remained steady and inventories were sufficient.
In the United States, prices rose by 1.6% to USD 3,248 per metric ton, driven by robust heap-leaching demand for gold extraction in Nevada and Alaska. Conversely, prices in Australia decreased by 1.3% to USD 2,118 per metric ton, and in Brazil by 1.1% to USD 2,136 per metric ton.
Indonesia's price decline was influenced by cooling consumption in Sulawesi and Kalimantan, along with ample feedstock arrivals from China. In Australia, mining output matched operational plans, and export demand from Southeast Asia remained measured.
Argentina experienced lean buying programs from mine operators in Santa Cruz and San Juan. Despite elevated input costs due to currency weakness and energy tariffs, the soft market pull prevented a significant increase in headline rates.
Key factors influencing prices in Q1 included mining extraction schedules, inventory levels, and feedstock availability. However, geopolitical tensions in early March and a surge in crude oil prices above USD 100 for Brent futures may reset cost assumptions for the second quarter of 2026.