Gold standard: Peru miners phase out mercury in bid to clean up industry

The hope is that ecological certification will bring higher prices and squeeze out criminal gangs running illegal operationsThe mixture of gold, sand and dirt is laid out on top of the table. Faustino Orosco adds water and at the flick of a switch the table begins to shake. Orosco is using a new technique to extract gold in Madre de Dios, Peru's goldmining centre, in an attempt to clean up the industry.The shaking table separates the precious metal without the need for mercury, traditionally used to separate gold, which should reduce the health and environmental risks associated with mining. Continue reading...