Camarines Norte governor pushes for mercury-free mining
Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo "Egay" Tallado is pushing for a mercury-free mining that will address the health risks involved in the industry. Facebook/Edgardo Angeles Tallado
DAET, Philippines (Bicol Standard) - Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo "Egay" Tallado is pushing for a mercury-free mining that will protect the miners and community.
"We must work hard to eliminate mercury from the mining process, as it causes serious health problems not only to the miners, but also to the other members of the community," Tallado said as he announced his support to mercury-free mining last week.
A health advocate, Tallado said exposure to mercury, even to small amounts, may cause problems in the nervous, digestive and immune systems.
The governor is presently working with non-government organization Ban-Toxics to address the health issue.
In connection with the advocacy, he announced that he is willing to put up a training facility that can process gold without the need for mercury.
Along with the organization, Tallado is lobbying to end child labor and to build capacities in towns where mining is the primary livelihood.
"We are working with the Department of Labor and Employment, International Labour Organisation, and US Department of Labor to put in place safety standards to uplift the lives of CamNortenos," the governor said.
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Melissa Basmayor is the editor-in-chief of the Bicol Standard, a regional partner of Philstar.com.
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