SAGADA, Mountain Province (PIA) – Small-scale mining in the province will be now more environment-friendly with the turnover of a mercury-free processing system facility (MFPS) to the Northern Sagada Barangay Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. (NSBSSMAI) recently.
Located within the designated Minahang Bayan in Barangay Fidelisan, the MFPS facility includes the main processing area, which houses the jaw crushers, rod mills, shaking tables, and other equipment and machinery. It also features an office, storage room, solid waste mineral recovery facility, and tailings ponds.
The facility was established through the planetGOLD Philippines Project, in line with its aim to provide responsible alternatives to traditional mining practices. It was funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
This project was realized in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the Artisanal Gold Council.
Engr. Teddy Monroy, Country Representative of UNIDO Philippines, shared that the MFPS facility is a symbol of progress for a safer, cleaner, and mercury-free mining future.
The traditional method of processing gold involves substantial amounts of mercury, usually in highly unsafe and environmentally hazardous conditions. With the Mercury-free processing system facility, it utilizes a purely gravity concentration method, which includes crushing, grinding, and gravity concentration circuits designed for efficient gold recovery.
Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager of Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, said the project is an achievement of the miners for they have shown that mining and farming can coexist, and that mining can be done while protecting their health, families, and future. She thanked the partner agencies for making the project possible.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raul Edan said that the facility stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the NSBSSMAI to uphold environment-friendly mining methods.
Joseph Patil-ao, NSBSSMAI president, and Joan Tom-eg, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders who collaborated for the successful completion of the MFPS facility.
Key officials and guests witnessed the signing of the transfer of ownership and the unveiling of the MFPS building marker. A shovel plaque was also presented to the NSBSSMAI. (JDP/VJLT- PIA-MP)
