What does it take to move towards Compassionate Gold?

As part of the Compassionate Gold Project: Benguet and Mountain Province, BAN Toxics is exploring alternative approaches to gold processing that can support small-scale mining communities towards mercury-free gold production.

A preliminary test was conducted in Sitio Batawel, Barangay Atok Trail, Baguio City, to assess the efficiency of an alternative reagent for gold recovery. The testing was led by Mr. Leoncio Na-oy, an expert miner trainer and Chairperson of the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners of the Philippines, Inc. (NCSSMPI) Board of Directors. 

The preliminary results showed promising performance. These findings will serve as an important basis for the next step: a comparative study of alternative gold processing approaches to further assess their potential for safer and ethical gold production. 

The study will help generate practical information and further discussions and recommendations of mercury-free gold processing options that are appropriate, practical, and suited to the needs and circumstances of SSM communities in Benguet and Mountain Province. 

The journey towards Compassionate Gold continues-working toward gold production that puts people and their well-being first. 

The Compassionate Gold Project: Benguet and Mountain Province is an initiative by environmental NGOs BAN Toxics (Philippines) and Diálogos (Denmark), in partnership with the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines, Inc. (NCSSMPI), with funding support from Civil Society in Development (CISU). The project works directly with artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities to reduce and ultimately eliminate mercury use through the promotion of mercury-free technologies and practices, miner empowerment, and policy advocacy. Through these efforts, the project aims to contribute to a more ethical and responsible small-scale gold mining sector while contributing to environmental protection and the well-being of mining communities.


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