ProfB次元官网网址檚 techniques could save lives of gold miners in developing world
If you are Kevin TelmerB次元官网网址檚 neighbour, it probably wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be a surprise to spot him panning for gold in his backyard.
The Cadboro Bay resident and University of Victoria geochemistry professor is honing the techniques he teaches and shares with small-scale and artisanal gold miners in some of the worldB次元官网网址檚 poorest nations, such as Ghana and Tanzania.
For the past 15 years he has shared safer and more efficient mining technologies and practices that improve the health and livelihoods of gold miners who rely on mercury to extract their gold.
B次元官网网址淭he mercury theyB次元官网网址檙e using, theyB次元官网网址檙e not aware of the poisonous use of it,B次元官网网址� said Telmer, who is on leave from teaching to focus on his Saanich-based non-profit Artisanal Gold Council. He is also a technical advisor to the United Nations, which is negotiating a treaty on mercury use.
B次元官网网址淢ercury is a global pollutant,B次元官网网址� he said, adding that gold mining and coal burning are the biggest culprits.
Changing the way miners do business is a daunting task, since gold mining supports the livelihoods of more than 50 million people in 70 countries. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not a mission impossible. There are solutions,B次元官网网址� Telmer said.
The miners pour inexpensive liquid mercury into their buckets of heavy minerals and concentrates, which attaches to gold.
The labourers use their shirts to squeeze out the excess liquid, forming a small ball that is part mercury, part gold.
The ball is heated to remove the mercury, and the miners breathe in the poisonous vapour.
But there are tools they can use to avoid mercury exposure, which can eventually lead to nervous system disorders such as tremors, shaking, loss of coordination, chronic headaches and organ malfunction.
The miners are embracing the use of safer machines that allow them to extract gold at a faster pace, increasing their pay from $2 or $3 to $10 a day in some cases.
B次元官网网址淥n that basis, the information spreads,B次元官网网址� said Telmer. B次元官网网址淲e help a community at a time. ItB次元官网网址檚 a lot of work but it feels good.B次元官网网址�
To learn more about the councilB次元官网网址檚 advocacy work, field programs and fundraising efforts, visit www.artisanalgold.org.
emccracken@vicnews.com
