Taiwanese firm Xin Ye Precious Metal Technology Co. Ltd., through its local subsidiary Philippine Xi Ye Industry Ltd. Inc., is optimistic to secure endorsement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for adoption of its modern ore stripping technology for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations in the country.
Michael Yao, Xin Ye president, said in a statement the company’s locally patented GP-860 solution, which uses cyanide-free, mercury-free and non-toxic gold stripping method, can help small-scale miners abide by government policies on responsible mining practices.
The GP-860 technology aims to replace traditional extraction process which usually involves the use of the banned chemical mercury that remains popular and widely used by small-scale miners in the Philippines.
Compared to traditional and small-scale gold mining extraction method, which usually takes two to eight days dissolution period, Xin Ye’s GP-860 can shorten the ore to gold process to 6 to 8 hours, with the rate of gold stripping at 98 percent and refined gold purity of 99.9 percent.
Last May, the DENR announced a five-year project aimed at eliminating the use of the highly toxic mercury in ASGM operations.
DENR said the project will be funded by the Global Environment Facility to promote legislation to legalize and support ASGM while encouraging miners to extract gold using environment friendly alternatives to mercury.
It will also involve a review of policies and legal frameworks; introduction of financing schemes allowing miners to invest in sustainable mercury-free technologies; dissemination of information to ensure replication; and monitoring and evaluation.
On Monday, Xin Ye also launched its first gold processing facility in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte in partnership with Johnson Gold Mining Corp.
Steven Liao, Xin Ye executive vice president, said the $1-million plant can process 11.5 metric tons of concentrate per day, with potential gold yield of 50 grams per ton or a daily production of 550 grams of gold.
He said the company is in talks with at least eight mining companies in Baguio and Bicol Region, and expects to close the deal for the acquisition of the technology early next year.
Liao added the company wants to expand to Mindanao within the year as discussions with two mining firms in Cagayan De Oro and Zamboanga are being planned, apart from a possible collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to promote the technology.
