How this gold mine in the Philippines has gone #mercuryfree

Summary

In this episode of Dispatches From The Field, we visit Paracale, Camarines Norte in the Philippines, where the planetGOLD Philippines project has established a mercury-free processing plant. This plant replaces outdated equipment and toxic mercury use with sustainable methods, such as gravity circuits and chemical leaching. The project has significantly increased gold recovery rates, improved miners' health, and boosted the local economy. With an 80% gold recovery rate and annual revenue of $90,000, the community is optimistic about a mercury-free future, showcasing the positive impact of environmentally responsible mining practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The planetGOLD Philippines project has introduced a mercury-free processing plant in Paracale, Camarines Norte.
• 😀 Just two years ago, the mining community was using outdated equipment and mercury to process their ore.
• 😀 The new Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) uses an improved gravity circuit and chemical leaching process to recover gold.
• 😀 The gravity circuit recovers free gold without the use of any chemicals, utilizing centrifuges, helicoidals, and shaking tables.
• 😀 The chemical leaching process uses a mixture of cyanide and glycine, a non-hazardous substance, to reduce cyanide usage.
• 😀 The MFPS plant is designed to reduce power consumption and make use of natural terrain advantages to reduce pumping energy needs.
• 😀 Before the MFPS, miners were recovering only 40-50% of gold from the ore; now, they are achieving up to an 80% recovery rate.
• 😀 The new system generates approximately $90,000 USD in annual revenue for the community.
• 😀 The elimination of mercury has improved the health of miners by reducing exposure to its toxic effects.
• 😀 The success of the MFPS plant has led to a positive economic impact on the town of Paracale, improving local income and fostering hope for further mercury-free operations.

Q & A

What was the mining community in Paracale using before the implementation of the Mercury-Free Processing System?

Before the implementation of the Mercury-Free Processing System, the mining community in Paracale was using outdated equipment and mercury to process their ore.

How has the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) improved gold recovery rates in Paracale?

The Mercury-Free Processing System has improved gold recovery rates from 40-50% to up to 80%, significantly increasing the efficiency of gold extraction from the ore.

What two methods are used in the Mercury-Free Processing System to recover gold?

The two methods used in the Mercury-Free Processing System are an improved gravity circuit and a chemical leaching process.

How does the gravity circuit in the MFPS work to recover gold?

The gravity circuit recovers free gold without the use of any chemicals, using methods like centrifuge, helicoidal, and shaking tables.

What is the role of cyanide and glycine in the chemical leaching process of the MFPS?

In the chemical leaching process, a mixture of cyanide and glycine is used, with glycine being a non-hazardous substance that helps reduce the need for cyanide, which is a toxic substance.

What health improvements have been reported by miners after switching to the MFPS?

Miners have reported significant health improvements, as the elimination of mercury from the process has lessened health issues previously caused by mercury exposure.

How does the Mercury-Free Processing System benefit the local economy of Paracale?

The system benefits the local economy by improving gold recovery, which leads to an increase in revenue, helping boost the local economy, as mining is the largest source of income in the area.

What specific benefits does the MFPS provide to the mining community in terms of revenue?

The MFPS generates approximately $90,000 USD in annual revenue, helping increase the financial stability of the mining community in Paracale.

How does the community view the impact of the MFPS on the use of mercury in their mining operations?

The community is hopeful that the MFPS will eliminate mercury from their mining operations entirely, ensuring a healthier environment and workforce, and eventually making mercury history in the region.

What are the key partners involved in the implementation of the Mercury-Free Processing System in Paracale?

The key partners involved include planetGOLD Philippines, local miners, the local government, and the wider community, all working together to transition away from mercury use in small-scale mining operations.