Sodium cyanide is a chemical compound with the formula NaCN. It appears as a white, water-soluble solid and is primarily used in the mining industry for extracting gold and silver from ores. Due to its high toxicity, it must be handled with extreme care. In addition to mining, sodium cyanide is also used in various industrial processes, such as electroplating and the production of certain chemicals. Its ability to release cyanide ions makes it a potent poison, affecting the body's ability to use oxygen, which can be lethal if ingested or inhaled.