Implementation of clean technologies in mining units located in the gold area of the department of Antioquia

Abstract

Corantioquia with other actors has been developing projects to reduce the use of mercury during the gold extraction process. These projects focused on best practices and clean technologies through training programs, technical assistance,  demonstration processes and installation of special equipment and monitoring both inside and outside the establishments. In order to achieve this goal, multiple mining units especially in municipalities in Antioquia were intervened. Results show that implementation of good practices and clean technologies reduce mercury and increase gold recovery. There is also a decrease of impacts on health and the environment. The above results are much more significant with the implementation of clean technologies and comprehensive improvements.