A recent spike in the mercury level, particularly in the gold-rich town on Sibuyan Island in Romblon, is one indicator that small-scale mining for the precious metal has resumed despite a total ban imposed by the provincial government.
Gov. Eduardo Firmalo believed that a number of villagers had returned to their old jobs
during the May election period when the local government somewhat “loosened up” in the implementation of an ordinance declaring the mining moratorium.
“The mercury concentration in the air and waters in this municipality is presently at 800 micrograms/cubic meter,” Firmalo said in a phone interview on Monday. This was an increase from the desired level of 0-10 micrograms/cubic meter, but way far below the mercury level two years ago when it was at 30,000-50,000.
Miners use mercury in gold panning.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/442473/poor-villagers-pursue-dreams-of-gold
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