Savants find high mercury in Kasibu

By Abe Almirol
Manila Standard Today June 23, 2006

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions02_june23_2006

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— A study conducted by the Nueva Vizcaya State University showed that the mercury in water samples taken from creeks in Barangay Didipio, Kasibu town are higher than the acceptable level.

NVSU Research director professor Elmer Castaneto, head of the environmental survey, said the mercury levels at the Camgat, Surong, and Didipio creeks were at 0.002 milligram per liter, above the acceptable 0.0001 milligram per liter.

Castaneto did not say the source of the mercury but Didipio is the site of the Dinkidi Hill Gold-Copper Project of the Australasian Philippines Mining Inc. Apmi was formerly known as Climax-Arimco.

“The water in the river is murky. There are a few benthic organisms, such as freshwater fishes, like catfish and macrophytes. Dissolved oxygen is low so plankton count, algae and microorganisms that serve as food fishes, is also low,” Castaneto said.

“Tilapia used to be an immediate source of livelihood. But now, there are no more such fish. Mercury is highly toxic even in small amount,” he added.

Blood samples taken from Didipio residents examined at St. Luke’s Hospital showed above normal mercury content, he said.
“The data are raw, but our study has shown the presence of above normal mercury in blood samples. This is just one study that has to be replicated. But even with this, people should be aware of the danger that mercury is there when there should be none,” said Dr. Marilou Abon, NVSU president.

The water samples have been sent to the University of the Philippines’ National Science Research Institute for verification.
With its highly toxic nature, the government has banned the use of mercury in small scale mining operations. “Mercury is a controlled chemical substance. Government discourages its use. No permit is issued for it,” said Mines and Geosciences Bureau Mining Tenements director Leo Jasareno.

In a press statement released by Chito Gozar, an Apmi official, the company expressed fear that the presence of small scale miners would cause further environmental degradation. Apmi is yet to start mine extraction since the facilities needed are not yet in place. “Small scale mining operations in Didipio is believed to be financed by mining operators from other small scale mining sites in the region. Estimates showed that there may be 17 to 20 ball mills involving 190 people in gold panning now in Didipio, all extensively using mercury,” Gozar said in a statement.