The Borax Method of Gold Extraction for Small-Scale Miners

Background. More than ten million small-scale miners (SSM) worldwide use mercury to extract gold, releasing large amounts of the toxic element into the environment. Alternatives to mercury have been suggested over the years to little avail. A group of miners in the Philippines has demonstrated that borax, when used as a flux for smelting gold out of heavy mineral concentrates, is an effective and safer substitute for mercury. Objectives. To present a basic comparison of the mercury amalgamation and borax methods of gold extraction for SSM. Methods. Borax was added to milled ore to reduce the melting point of gold to a level accessible to SSM. The amount of gold captured, and the amount of mercury released into the environment, was compared to two common amalgamation methods: whole ore and heavy metal. Discussion. The borax method appears to capture more gold, as well as eliminate the use of mercury. It is also less expensive. It is important to stop the use of mercury amongst SSM. However, health and envi...