Difficult but not hopeless drive

This refers to an article titled “Small miners won’t stop mercury use” (Across the Nation, 12/21/13).

We acknowledge the continuing problem of mercury use in artisanal or small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and the seeming stubbornness of some small-scale miners in using this toxic chemical in their craft. We also acknowledge the difficulty of going against the strain of poverty that in part drives this toxic dilemma.

According to a study conducted by the United Nations Environment Program, ASGM is the single largest mercury-emitting sector in the world. The Environment Management Bureau (EMB) estimates the annual mercury discharge in the Philippines at around 70 metric tons.

The indiscriminate use of mercury in ASGM contributes to serious long-term environmental and health problems in rural communities. The mercury crisis in ASGM communities was highlighted in 2006, when the United Nations reported that miners in the Philippines are found to have mercury levels up to 50 times above World Health Organization limits. And this is a major problem that has hounded at least 30 provinces in the country.

It looks like things are finally changing and it is possible to convince or push miners away from mercury use. We, as an organization, have witnessed the transformation of miners who once used mercury in gold extraction. As mentioned in the news report, Benguet has been very successful in its campaign against mercury use. In Kalinga, the local government has outlawed it via an executive order and, in partnership with miners and civil society, has almost eliminated mercury use in one area. In Romblon, the local government has enforced a tough stance on mining and mercury-use.

We remain hopeful that the miners in Diwalwal will follow suit soon. Just recently, we inked a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, EMB and Department of Health, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Our goal: to reduce mercury emissions by confronting the problem on several fronts—providing health education, educating miners through trainings, and organization-building.

In some parts of Compostela,  miners are interested in testing mercury-free methods. This is welcome news, coming from a province that gained notoriety because of mercury use.

Last October, the Philippine government signed the historic Minamata Treaty, but the agreement is only a first step in the awesome task of eliminating mercury use in Philippine mining. We may have scored victories in legislation at both national and international levels, but we must work double time. We are seeking to change not just a practice, we are

also aiming to transform the hearts and minds of our small-scale miners—through education, assistance, and by providing alternatives.

Mercury use in Compostela Valley poses a very difficult challenge to the government, health advocates and environmentalists. But difficult is different from hopeless. Although the situation looks daunting, we are hopeful that one day soon we will see the end of mercury use in ASGM, not only in Compostela

Valley, but also in the country.

—RICHARD GUTIERREZ,

executive director, BAN Toxics!,

26 Matalino St., Suite 322,

Eagle Court, Diliman, Quezon City