During the last 3 years WWF Guianas has been working closely with small and medium scale operators in the Guianas. Steps have been initiated towards improved gold mining practices.
WWF introduced and promoted of the use of ponds to recycle the water used in the extraction of gold. Mercury-free techniques were demonstrated in different mining operations. Mercury retorts were distributed in various mining areas throughout the Guianas.The retort is a simple metal device that is used to capture mercury vapor that is released while gold is being heated to separate it from mercury. In the retort, mercury vapor is condensed with a recovery above 95%, allowing it to be recycled. The result is a substantial reduction in air pollution and occupational exposure.
In partnership with the regulatory agencies and miners of the Guianas, the WWF Guianas program works towards identifying suitable mining technologies that are inexpensive, relatively simple, and easy to adapt. These measures will reduce the environmental footprints caused by small to medium scale mining.
Through a grant from the World Bank, the Institute of Sustainable Mining is executing a program in Suriname to promote the Clean Gold Sluice, a mercury free technique. The Clean Gold Sluice uses magnetic sheets inserted in aluminum sluice boxes that trap the gold. Through this method a high grade of gold is obtained without the use of mercury. WWF Guianas is a partner in this project and provides miners the technical assistance needed to implement this relatively new technology.
