DFT simulations of pyrite galvanic interactions with bulk, solid-solution and nanoparticle Au occurrences – Insights into gold cyanidation

•Gold/pyrite contact alters the electronic properties of interfacial gold atoms.•Three gold occurrences with pyrite were simulated through DFT.•Galvanic interaction promotes electron density transfer from gold to pyrite atoms.•Gold/pyrite galvanic interactions affect cyanide uptake by gold surfaces and their dissolution.