Revolutionary technology could transform gold mining: RZOLV Technologies, Newmont, Ecolab

Clean cyanide alternative shows promising performance

Canadian start-up RZOLV Technologies has developed a patented, water-based leaching chemical that offers a non-toxic alternative to conventional cyanide. Independent tests have demonstrated gold recoveries exceeding 90% on selected mineral concentrates, showcasing performance comparable to traditional cyanide methods. The costs are in the same range as for cyanide applications. At the same time, the chemical is environmentally friendly and designed for reagent regeneration, which greatly reduces toxic residues commonly associated with gold extraction. RZOLV emphasizes that its technology is a clean and fast method for extracting gold and critical minerals from ores, concentrates, and legacy mining residues.

RZOLV conducts pilot test with 100 tons of rock – Key data is positive

The Canadians are currently working on their market entry. After years of development, RZOLV completed a reverse takeover in the fall of 2025 and has been listed on the TSX Venture Exchange since. The technology company is also listed in Germany. Even before going public, RZOLV raised CAD 2.85 million to finance, among other things, a 100-ton pilot test in Arizona. The Company plans to use this to demonstrate what it is capable of under realistic conditions. Results could be available in the coming weeks. RZOLV intends to sell or license its chemicals to mine operators and points to low investment costs in this context – its own chemical works perfectly in existing leaching plants. To prevent the Company from being outdone by competitors or imitators, it has international patent protection.

If the pilot test yields positive results, RZOLV is likely to attract the attention of several industries. An equivalent alternative to cyanide could solve many ESG problems for commodity companies. Companies in the chemical industry might also find the technology attractive and could emerge as potential buyers of RZOLV. One such company is Ecolab, which is a leading global provider of water, hygiene, and energy technologies for industry and also has an extensive mining business. Under the Nalco Water brand, Ecolab sells chemicals and solutions for treatment, leaching, and recycling in mines. This also includes projects in precious metal mining.

Ecolab and Newmont are open to innovation and fully committed to ESG

From an ESG perspective, Ecolab is firmly committed to sustainability and has dedicated itself to reducing its environmental footprint. The Company continuously invests in innovations such as digitalized water treatment and alternative chemicals, and cooperates with governments to reduce industrial waste. In gold mining, Ecolab could easily bring a solution such as RZOLV's to market due to its many existing contacts. To date, Ecolab has no publicly known strategy to develop alternatives to cyanide itself.

However, mining companies such as Newmont could also find RZOLV's solution appealing. If the cyanide alternative is really as effective as expected, it would make a significant difference in the hands of a giant like Newmont. The world's leading gold producer achieved an annual surplus of around USD 1.83 billion in the third quarter of 2025 and an operating cash flow before working capital of a whopping USD 2.6 billion – so there is financial scope for a groundbreaking technology that gives Newmont an advantage over its competitors. Since Newmont has long been committed to ESG and has shown interest in alternatives to cyanide in the past, there could be a spark between RZOLV and the mining giant. Successful results from practical tests are likely to be a prerequisite.

RZOLV comes at the right time – Waiting for results of the pilot test

The search for alternatives to cyanide opens up a vast market: gold producers spend over USD 2 billion annually on cyanide. If RZOLV secures just a small share of this, the Company should quickly move into the black. At the same time, a US executive order issued this summer actively calls for the recovery of metals from mining sludge and contaminated sites, which means that the administrative and regulatory environment is also favorable for RZOLV. Applications such as those from RZOLV could be approved more quickly or even receive subsidies. Successful test runs are crucial. The RZOLV team is confident in its technology. The pilot test with 100 tons of coarse rock could also open the eyes of other experts in the industry. The Company is still largely unknown – this could be an opportunity for speculative investors with foresight.