Abstract: A condensate which contains cyanide ions, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia is first partly purified by stripping with water vapor and stripped-off gases are then scrubbed with an absorbent. The laden absorbent contains 50 to 300 grams ammonia and 10 to 100 grams hydrogen sulfide and is at a temperature of 70.degree. to 150.degree. C. and has a pH value of at least 9. Sulfur is added to the condensate or the laden aqueous absorbent in a quantity which is at least 0.8 times the quantity that is stoichiometrically required to convert the cyanide ions to thiocyanate ions. The sulfur may be produced from hydrogen sulfide and oxygen, preferably in the presence of an oxidation catalyst. Alternatively, the sulfur may be added to a liquid which contains 10 to 400 grams ammonia and/or ammonium ions per liter so that ammonium polysulfide is formed. That solution is mixed with the liquid that contains cyanide ions.