part by the BIOREDD activity. The mine operator demonstrated gold recovery methods that are mercury free as well as mercury recycling unit. The operator also showed the team areas where Acacia. (Acacia mangium) is being planted to restore mine tailings. The mine operator appears to be compliant with local laws and policies and is making significant strides to improve environmental protection and worker health and safety. Photo 1: Active alluvial extraction area Photo 2: Re-contouring and Acacia planting site Photo 3: Recently completed reforestation Photo 4: Mercury recovery device Subsequently, the team visited the Santacruz corporative that is currently receiving assistance from USAID under the CELI Norte-Sur alternative livelihoods activity. This area was previously impacted by illegal mining operations and is a candidate for reforestation and restoration under the Oro Legal activity. It was noted that the sites in question appear to be healing under a natural succession process and the cooperative is making significant income from a variety of aquaculture activities. The final stop on Tuesday was a Dagadi S.A.S gold buyer in Caucasia. This shop only accepts mercury free gold although it does have a mercury recovery system for capturing residual mercury obtained in the refining process. It was noted however, that many gold buyers still operate mercury burners in their facilities. According to officials from Dagadi, they receive no price premium for mercury-free gold. Photo 5. One Kilogram of gold worth about $60,000. On Wednesday May 4th, the team visited the Guarumo cooperative, an association of miners that use in- river drags to extract gold-laden sediments from the river bottom. This association was also provided with technical assistance towards legalization under the BIOREDD Program. As with the Las Palmas mine, this group has replaced mercury with specialized machinery that allows them to separate gold from sediments by gravity. Of particular utility is the centrifuge seen in Photo 7. Photo 6: Sediment separator Photo 7: Sediment centrifuge
part by the BIOREDD activity. The mine operator demonstrated gold recovery methods that are mercury free as well as mercury recycling unit. The operator also showed the team areas where Acacia. (Acacia mangium) is being planted to restore mine tailings. The mine operator appears to be compliant with local laws and policies and is making significant strides to improve environmental protection and worker health and safety. Photo 1: Active alluvial extraction area Photo 2: Re-contouring and Acacia planting site Photo 3: Recently completed reforestation Photo 4: Mercury recovery device Subsequently, the team visited the Santacruz corporative that is currently receiving assistance from USAID under the CELI Norte-Sur alternative livelihoods activity. This area was previously impacted by illegal mining operations and is a candidate for reforestation and restoration under the Oro Legal activity. It was noted that the sites in question appear to be healing under a natural succession process and the cooperative is making significant income from a variety of aquaculture activities. The final stop on Tuesday was a Dagadi S.A.S gold buyer in Caucasia. This shop only accepts mercury free gold although it does have a mercury recovery system for capturing residual mercury obtained in the refining process. It was noted however, that many gold buyers still operate mercury burners in their facilities. According to officials from Dagadi, they receive no price premium for mercury-free gold. Photo 5. One Kilogram of gold worth about $60,000. On Wednesday May 4th, the team visited the Guarumo cooperative, an association of miners that use in- river drags to extract gold-laden sediments from the river bottom. This association was also provided with technical assistance towards legalization under the BIOREDD Program. As with the Las Palmas mine, this group has replaced mercury with specialized machinery that allows them to separate gold from sediments by gravity. Of particular utility is the centrifuge seen in Photo 7. Photo 6: Sediment separator Photo 7: Sediment centrifuge
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