Cuna said the use of
the hazardous substance in small-scale mining, particularly in gold
panning, remains a problem despite the ban imposed under Executive Order
(EO) 79 signed by President Aquino in June 2011.
“Small-scale mining is
the biggest emitter of mercury. Backyard small-scale gold mining
remains unchecked, particularly in Davao’s Mount Diwalwal. Small-scale
gold miners have been using mercury for a long time,” he said.
During strategic planning sessions, the DENR-EMB, along with officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and
concerned local governments and the Bangko Sentral, met small-scale
gold miners to convince them to stop using mercury, he said.
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