The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has partnered with planetGOLD Philippines to create a Mercury Free Processing System (MFPS) for the small-scale gold miners operating in the 26.5-hectare Minahang Bayan in Paracale, Camarines Norte.
The MFPS is part of the Minahang Bayan project’s goal to contribute to the elimination of mercury in the Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector through a supply chain approach from the miners to refiners.
“This facility is an alternative to the traditional amalgamation process employed by the ASGM sector in the province. Through this facility, the planetGOLD Philippines hopes to reduce the devastating effects of traditional ASGM practices which destroy the environment and introduce adverse health impacts,” MGB said in a statement
MGB and planetGOLD met with the locals of Barangay Casalugan in Paracale, Camarines Norte for community consultation for the MFPS.
“This is in response to the various requirements for the construction and installation of the MFPS facility such as the building permit, and one of the requirements for the building permit is the conduct of community consultation,” MGB said.
The project’s technical expert, Engr. Louie Bedes said that while mercury has been used as an inexpensive and easy way to collect gold for decades, it brings harmful effects to miners and their communities, as well as the environment.
“planetGOLD Philippines is committed to promoting and piloting alternative technologies which will address the rampant use of mercury in the sector. This is why it’s important that we engage and inform the public that there is a way to improve the decades-long harmful practices of ASGM,” Bedes said.
