Chapter I
The Problem
Introduction
Natural resources have an inevitable momentousness to the human existence and
consider as country’s own treasures. Most of the things around were just processed resources
that came from mother nature. Humans depend on it most of the time and insufficient number of
it can lead into many tremendous cases. These resources can be either found at or below the
Earth’s surface and through the complex process of mining, the minerals underneath can be
acquired. Mining is one of the oldest human activities that are currently and still ongoing.
Mining is very perilous to the miners and to the community directly and indirectly and also
can lead to many accidents and health related issues. Harmful substances such as chemicals,
and dust that gold mining emitted affects one’s health physically and psychologically. Mining is
also noxious to the environment. It is destructive because of toxic chemicals that cause pollution
to the water, making it more acidic and to wild forest that may lead to erosions and shatter of river
banks. It is very ironic to think that, even though the environment and many people were affected,
mining activities are ongoing.
According to Romulo (2016), almost a quarter of the world’s gold supply can be traced
back to 10-15 million poor small-scale gold miners, or artisanal and small scale mining (ASM),
scattered around the globe. Romulo also stated that, the gaseous mercury may be inhaled by the
humans, leading to serious health issues. It may also settle into the surrounding environment,
seeping into the ground and contaminating the water supply. It could also evaporate and rise into
the atmosphere.
In addition, the artisanal small scale mining commonly use method that lead into many
environmental contaminations and poisoning known as Carbon in Pulp Method (CIP). In this
method, gold is extracted from the ores or sediments using toxic materials. Unfortunately, due to
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mishandling or wrong doing of the method, toxic materials such as mercury were released to the
atmosphere. Mercury is one of the widely-used chemicals that evaporates at relatively low
temperature and deposited out of the atmosphere through chemical reactions back to the soil or
the bodies of water and reemitted again to the atmosphere. This chemical is harmful because it
blocks the transfer of blood to the tissues. Mercury vapor is also hazardous particularly to kidneys,
the central nervous system, the respiratory, and the cardiovascular systems. It also causes
neurobehavioral disorder such as hand tremor, mental retardation arthritis, reproductive
problems, loss of memory, psychosis, and death. Acute poisoning of it includes rapid breathing,
gasping, tremors, and convulsion, and sub-lethal poisoning includes headache, dizziness and
thyroid enlargement. All according to the article created by Olson (2015).
In line with this, Spear (2015), mentioned that thousands of children are also working in
the dangerous underwater gold mines that may collapse without any further notice. They
descended into deep, watery pits to find gold then later processed the precious metal with mercury
that causes muscle spasms, back pain and skin irritation. The practice happens due to many gold
deposits are also mostly found underwater.
On the other hand, according to the article created by You (2014), industrial processes
such as small scale gold mining emit mercury into the atmosphere. The metal can travel for
months and thousands of kilometers until rain deposits it into oceans. Then, bacteria convert it to
the neurotoxin methylmercury. The methylmercury then travels up the food chain, ultimately
accumulating in fish. Nowadays, the oceans contain about 60,000 - 80,000 tons of mercury from
pollution. Mercury concentration in waters shallower than 100 meters has tripled compared with
preindustrial times, they found, whereas mercury levels in intermediate waters have increased by
1.5 times. Meaning that there is a higher mercury concentration in shallower waters could
increase the amount of toxin accumulating in food fish, exposing humans to greater risk of
mercury poisoning.
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According to Pirrone et al., (2010), there is an estimated number of 10-20 million people
globally who were artisanal small-scale workers that commonly used chemicals in amalgamation
of gold. Due to this, mining industry emits 400 milligrams of mercury from overall number of 7,527
milligrams of mercury, that are release annually to the global atmosphere. Moreover, Paddock
(2016) said that, most of the countries in Africa and Southeast Asia are now contaminated of toxic
substances and millions of people in 70 countries are exposed to high levels of mercury.
A study created by Young (2013), mentioned that illegal gold mining is rampant among
the Madre de Dios, region of Peru. There are about 30,000 estimated miners to be in the mining
operation without any legal permit from the government which lead to an extreme destruction to
environment. Surreptitious doorway that are carved into the mountainside, charred hectares of
burnt trees, huge piles of felled logs and a vast of gold mines were found after the illegal activities.
He also mentioned that individuals mined gold due to the annually exponential price hike in this
commodity which drives many people, whom are not able to attain jobs, into illegal gold mining
businesses.
Gulle (2014) stated that, mining is one of the most environmentally destructive industries.
In Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, mining operations cause the strips off of large areas of top soil
resulting to more risk of flash floods in the area. Mining also add toxic chemicals in the
environment which affect the flora and fauna including humans. According to Price (2014), Mt.
Diwata in Compostela Valley, Philippines is considered as dangerous contaminated place due to
poisoning of organisms and the air and water contained high level of mercury which flows to
Naboc and Agusan River and a hundred thousand of people there are constantly breathing it
including the dust and fumes of chemical which came from quarrying.
In the Philippines, Paracale and Benguet are the major districts, followed by Masbate,
Masara, and Surigao as the principal producers of gold. In the year 2015, Philippines ranked 20
for producing 40 tons and also became as the second largest gold reserve in the mining sector
(Phillips, 2015). The article created by Fernandez (2012), said that the province of Paracale is
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rich in gold ore and large deposits of it can be found in various riverbeds, flood, plains, and even
sink holes in area. He also stated that Barangay Palanas, an example of artisanal small-scale
mining, is also known as one of the gold contributors of Paracale. Some reported accidents take
place there which cause the loss of lives of many residents and miners due to the illegal mining
in that area. An article written by Arnaiz (2013), stated that, Paracale was rich in gold and many
prospectors and miners from Philippines and other countries were attracted to it since gold was
discovered. In line with this, the researchers decided to choose Paracale, Camarines Norte as
the locale of the study. Barangay Labnig is the chosen locale due to the availability of the
respondents.
The mining industry is still a problem throughout the whole world. These problems in
mining is due to lack of awareness, as well as lack of environmental, health, and safety regulations
of artisanal small-scale mining industry. Many concerned peoples and environmentalist are
clamoring for a solution to these problems that affect humans and environmental health. Their
solution is the total eradication of mining but miners would not give up their jobs. Due to these,
the researchers focused to the study that will not affect the current job of miners, as well as
minimizing mining effects to the environment and community. The researchers conducted a study
that will solve problems of the both sides.
This research aimed to increase the level of awareness of the miners specifically in
Barangay Labnig Paracale, Camarines Norte about these life-threatening health hazards issues
and other effects of mining. The researchers conducted the study to completely open the mind of
humans about the things that quarrying can do to their health and nature, particularly the effects
of toxic chemicals. It is also help the miners to gain more knowledge on what are the things they
need to do and the things to avoid when engaging to mining to prevent accidents and conflicts.
Also, to remind them about the laws in mining and environmental laws for a better mining
operations. The miners, the mining industry, the community, and the environment itself are the
target beneficiaries of the project. This study is significant to community for it may reduce or lessen
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the increasing number of death on mining. Lastly, it is hoped that this project would leave big
contribution to the world economically and environmentally.
Statement of the Problem
Generally, the study evaluated the level of awareness on the health hazards of gold mining
among miners in Barangay Labnig Paracale, Camarines Norte. The main objective of this study
was to increase the knowledge of miners and also to lessen the unintentional effects of mining.
Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
a. Age
b. Educational attainment
c. Work Experience
2. What is the level of awareness of the respondents on the health hazards of gold mining
as cause by the following:
a. Chemicals
b. Dust
c. Procedure itself
3. What are the most common health conditions experienced related to mining?
4. Is there a significant relationship on the profile of the respondents to their level of
awareness?
5. What educational materials may be designed to minimize the health hazardous effects of
mining?
Assumptions
1. There is a profile of the respondents in terms of age, educational attainment, and years of
mining experience.
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2. There is level of awareness of the respondents on the health hazards of gold mining as
caused by chemicals, dust, and procedure itself.
3. There are most common health conditions experienced related to mining.
Hypothesis
Ho: There is no significant relationship on the profile of the respondents to their level of
awareness.
Scope and Delimitations
The study evaluated the level of awareness on the health hazards of gold mining among
miners. The research was conducted during December 2016 to January 2017 in Barangay Labnig
Paracale, Camarines Norte.
There was forty (40) miners who became the respondents in the study. The twenty
respondents are those considered to be knowledgeable in their own field of job. The researcher
used purposive sampling to gather the respondents of the study. Their profile such as age,
educational attainment, and work’s experience was included in the study. Data gathering
instruments is the research-made questionnaires. The researchers also conducted unstructured
interview to the respondents know the past incidents and past health related conditions
experienced by miners which happen due to mining to further enhance the result of data. The
proponents also interviewed mining specialist and Barangay official who is knowledgeable in the
mining industry as key informants.
Significance of the Study
The result of the study will be benefitting to the community and the environment. This
research has an essential factor to the human’s health and the nature’s preservation. Moreover,
the importance of this study can be reviewed in the following perspective:
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Miners. Through this study, they can be better and be professionals in their own field of
job. Educational materials can help them to be more knowledgeable about their job, and also help
them to be aware of all the risks and effects of mining to their health and environment. It can also
be their guide to give them information on how to properly mined gold and also proper handling
and disposal of toxic materials in the process. The output of the study will also hopefully, help
them to have longer life span, healthy body, and a better lifestyle despite of their job.
Mining Industry. The result of this study can be their references and guidelines for a
better mining activities having a safe and an environmental friendly workplace. The people who
work in the industry will be also much aware and knowledgeable all about the things in mining. In
addition, this may also lessen the undesirable incidents and accidents in the area that can
decrease industry’s reputation and expenses in which can also lead to the further development
of the industry.
Community. In order to have a good community, humans and their habitat must be
healthy, without any of destruction, and without any signs of pollution. With the output of the study,
the overall awareness worldwide can increase everyone’s knowledge and awareness in the
community. The threat to the health hazards of people caused by mining in the community will be
lessen. Moreover, since the pollution of mercury is minimized leading to decontamination of the
environment. The community’s livelihoods that are affected such as fishing, agriculture and
forestry will be enriched once again.
Environmental Resources. The output of the study is expected to have a great
contribution to the nature and its resources. It is hoped to reduce environmental pollution of air,
land, that affects vegetation, water due to acid mine drainage and contamination, and other
surface waters or ground water. Also, it may lessen soil erosion, acid rain, and global warming,
loss of biodiversity and the exposure of mercury on the other living things such as floras and
faunas.
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Future Researchers. They are one of the beneficiaries of the study because the output
of the study can be their references and source of information for the similar researchers to be
conducted in the near future. The research may be improved and also conducted into other
localities by other researchers. This may also serve as the bridge for them to create more research
in the same field of study.
Definitions of Terms
The following terms used in this study were defined conceptually and operationally to
avoid confusion:
Chemicals. It refers to a substance with a distinct molecular composition that is produced by or
used in a chemical process (American Heritage Dictionary, 2016). In the research study, it is
defined specifically as the dangerous substance that was used in amalgamating gold which are
disposed to the environment that may affect the health conditions of the miners.
Dust. According to American Heritage Dictionary (2016), it is particles of matter regarded as the
result of disintegration. In the study, it means the fine particles which can travel quickly through
air that may affect the miners if inhaled. It is emitted particularly by machines, and tools used by
miners and also it came from rocks and soil in the mining ground.
Health Hazard. According to Farlex Dictionary (2016), it means the hazard to humans resulting
from biological agents or conditions and the hazards to those exposed to it. In the research study,
it refers to the any health-related diseases or injuries caused specifically by mining. It includes
the hazardous effect of mining in the human health biologically and psychologically.
Level of Awareness. It is the level of the state or condition of being aware (Dictionary.Com 2017).
In the study, it refers to the of level of knowledge or awareness on the health hazards of mining.
It is a scale of 1 to 4 that shows the miner’s awareness, whether they are not aware, moderately
aware, aware, or very much aware.
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Procedure itself. It is the act or manner of proceeding in any action or process that affects itself
(Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, 2016). In the study, it is the risk that
anytime during the process particularly in quarrying, unintentional accidents may take place and
lead to serious injuries or death of the people in the area.
Work Experience. It is a period of time that one’s spends working (Collins Dictionary, 2016). In
the study, it refers to the past work experiences of miners in the field of mining or aside from
mining. Self-employment and other kind of employment is also included.
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NOTES
Romulo, R. (2016). Small scale mining: Immeasurable damage. Retrieved on October 23
2016. Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/07/22/1605232/small-scale-mining-
immeasurable-damage
Olson, D. (2015). Mercury Toxicity Clinical Presentation. Retrieved on July 19 2016.
Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1175560-clinical
Spear, L. (2015). Children in the Philippines Risk Their Lives in Underwater Gold Mines, Report
Say. Retrieved on July 19 2016. Retrieved from http://time.com/4055289/child-miners-philippines-
gold/
You, J. (2014). Mercury levels in surface ocean have tripled. Retrieved on October 22
2016. Retrieved from http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2014/08/mercury-levels-surface-ocean-
have-tripled
Pirrone, N. et al. (2010). Global mercury emissions to the atmosphere from anthropogenic
and natural sources. Retrieved on July 19 2016. Retrieved from http://www.atmos-chem-
phys.net/10/5951/2010/acp-10-5951-2010.pdf
Paddock, R. (2016). The Toxic Toll of Indonesia's Gold Mines. Retrieved on July 19 2016.
Retrieved from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/160524-indonesia-toxic-toll/
Young, E. (2013). Gold-Mining In Peru Is Much Worse Than Anyone Thought. Retrieved
on July 19 2016. Retrieved from http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/28/gold-
mining-in-peru-is-much-worse-than-anyone-thought/
Gulle, J. (2014). Philippine mining briefs. Philippine Resources Mining, Petroleum and
Energy Journal
Phillips, J. (2015). Top 20 mine, mining company and country gold production stats.
Retrieved on July 19 2016. Retrieved from https://lawrieongold.com/2015/04/01/top-20-mine-
mining-company-and-country-gold-production-stats/
Price, L. (2014). Mount Diwata: The Legacy of Mercury in a Poisoned Community
http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/asia-philippines-mount-diwata-legacy-mercury-poisoned-
community
Fernandez, M. (2012). DENR official: Small-scale mining in Paracale had local officials'
tacit approval. Retrieved on July 19 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/283304/news/regions/denr-official-small-scale-mining-
in-paracale-had-local-officials-tacit-approval
Arnaiz, A. (2013). Golden Paracale. Retrieved on February 27 2017. Retrieved from
https://withonespast.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/the-golden-past-of-paracale/
American Heritage Dictionary, (2016). Retrieved on August 12 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/chemical
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American Heritage Dictionary, (2016). Retrieved on August 12 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dust
Farlex Dictionary, (2016). Retrieved on August 12 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/health+hazard
Dictionary.com, (2017). Retrieved on April 26 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/awareness
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, (2016). Retrieved on August 12
2016. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/procedure
Collins Dictionary, (2016). Retrieved on August 12 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/work-experience
