Alliance for Responsible Mining and Mercury Free Mining conducted a successful test of a mercury-free gold recovery system designed for artisanal mining. The study was conducted with a help of approximately 60 miners in three communities in Colombia’s Chocó and Antioquia departments in mid-April 2023, Diamond World News reported.
The recent successful field-test of an innovative system for mercury-free processing of gold ore is a significant advancement in the important effort to safeguard the health and safety and improve economic outcomes for artisanal, small-scale gold mine and their communities. The program is supported by a grant from GIA.
The GOLDROP gold recovery machine uses an innovative yet simple water-flow system to separate gold from other minerals, as the most promising option after reviewing the results from six different processing technologies. It is a portable, easy-to-use, cost-effective device that, according to laboratory findings, can capture more fine gold than traditional processing methods, including those using mercury.
“The encouraging results of this test are a testament to the value of innovation and commitment,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “This great success helps protect ASGM communities and addresses the growing consumer demand for greater sustainability in the gem and jewelry supply chain.”
