Use cyanide not mercury, Caraga small-scale miners urged

The resolution asked the MGB and local government units to help promote the use of cyanide, not mercury which Arreza said is still being used by some miners. It was passed during the council meeting on June 24 this year in Butuan City.
“The council is considering the alarming alleged mercury pollution from the mining tailings of the small scale mining operations,” the resolution read.
It added that through the Environmental Management Bureau, the council learned that using cyanide is a better option than using mercury in processing gold.

Arreza said mercury is a toxic chemical that poses danger to the environment.
“Although cyanide is also hazardous, it can easily react with sunlight once exposed and also can be treated by chemicals using sodium chloride,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/environment/2013/09/13/use-cyanide-not-mercury-caraga-small-scale-miners-urged/