PLANETGOLD PH EXPECTS TO REDUCE 25 TONNES OF MERCURY IN TWO PROJECTS

November 23, 2024 Metro BLISTT

Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager, Artisanal Gold Council – planetGOLD Philippines

BAGUIO CITY

planetGOLD Philippines said its mercury abatement projects operated by small-scale miners in Sagada, Mt. Province and in Paracale, Camarines Sur are on track. The said two small-scale mining associations were recipient of more than one hundred million pesos worth of mercury free processing systems (MFPS) under the so called mercury abatement of planetGOLD. Mercury abatement is the process of minimizing or eliminating exposure to mercury
in the workplace or environment.

Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager ,Artisanal Gold Council – planetGOLD Philippines, revealed that to date, some 6.8 tonnes of the poisonous mercury substance have been eliminated in the said project sites Ocate, who led other officials of planetGOLD PH in a recent media forum , under its Kapihan Tungo sa Responsableng Minahang, said the project goal is to eliminate a total of 25 tonnes of mercury. Ocate said ‘Our goal is not just to promote responsible, mercury-free practices in the ASGM sector but also to shed light on an often misunderstood and marginalized industry.’

‘Engaging with the media is a crucial from reaching the public and fostering a deeper understanding of the significant role ASGM plays in national development,’ she added.’ planetGOLD Philippines is a five-year project with the objectives of addressing key issues linked to continued use of mercury in artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) It is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Environment Program and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

In the Philippines, the Project is executed by the Artisanal Gold Council in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. As part of its Knowledge Management Component, the project seeks to raise public awareness about the socio-economic contributions of the ASGM sector to national development, the release further states. The group also aim to share best practices, knowledge, and
stories of success within the sector.

Primo Agatep/ABN