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Mining industry

Potentially Toxic Elements in Small-Scale Gold Mining Activities Emerge as Global Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research investigators have expressed growing concerns over the detrimental effects of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) on both ecological and public health. Investigating these elements is crucial in areas suspected of having high concentrations. Researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman have conducted a study in Camarines Norte, where small-scale gold mining activities have been linked to elevated mercury levels in soils and sediments. The investigation assessed six small-scale gold mining (SSGM) wastes from Camarines Norte for pollution by eight PTEs: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, and mercury.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that quartz (SiO2) was the primary mineral among all samples, with some containing albite, biotite, kaolinite, microcline, and sphalerite.
  • The SSGM waste samples were extremely enriched and contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, and zinc.
  • Gold concentrations were also measured, revealing high levels of enrichment in the samples.
  • The study demonstrated the potential application of environmentally friendly solvents, including deep eutectic solvents (DES), for mercury remediation through Hg leaching.
  • The research was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman, including Jan Melchor B. Aglibot, Alexandria M. Tanciongco, Rico Neil M. Quierrez, John Henry C. Gervasio, Anie Felicia P. Rasay, Jesica B. Acampado, Fern Rose A. Peregrino, Jessa Mae V. Estoque, and Jessie O. Samaniego.

Statistics:

  • Six (6) SSGM wastes from Camarines Norte were collected and analyzed.
  • Eight (8) PTEs were assessed for pollution in the SSGM wastes: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg).
  • Analytical techniques used in the study included energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and direct mercury analyzer (DMA).
  • The index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) revealed that the SSGM waste samples were extremely contaminated with As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn.

Sources:

  • Pollution assessment and mercury leaching using environmentally friendly solvents from small-scale gold mine wastes in Camarines Norte. Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management, 2025,12(4):8139-8147.
  • University of the Philippines Diliman
  • University of Brawijaya (publisher for Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management)
  • Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management (http://www.jdmlm.ub.ac.id)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.15243/jdmlm.2025.124.8139

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