Sourcing

Mercury-Free Mining Might Have Found a Solution

SourcingJan 13, 2020

Mercury-Free Mining Might Have Found a Solution

Founder Toby Pomeroy is in Ghana right now testing a technology called Goldrop with artisanal miners.

20200113_Mercury_Free_Mining_header-NEW.jpg
Artisanal gold miners at work in Ivory Coast (Photo credit: Reuters, licensed to Mercury-Free Mining). The founder of Mercury-Free Mining, Toby Pomeroy, is in Ghana to witness testing of a solution to the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining worldwide.

Corvallis, Oregon—The founder of the Mercury-Free Mining initiative is in West Africa to test a separation process that could fulfill his organization’s ultimate goal—to eliminate the need to use mercury in artisanal gold mining.

Oregon-based jewelry designer Toby Pomeroy, founder of MFM, left the United States for Ghana on Jan. 8 to begin 10 days of field-testing a technology called Goldrop.

Invented by John Richmond of Sluice Goose Industries and patented in the U.S. in 2018, the technology uses the elutriation process to separate gold, including all heavy elements and minerals, from mineral concentrate and tailings, Pomeroy explained to National Jeweler via email from Ghana.

Elutriation is a process of precipitating out particles by means of an upward current of fluid, often water or air.

The testing will take place in three artisanal mining communities in Ashanti, a region of in southern Ghana known for its gold production.

In a video, Pomeroy described the technology as low-cost, simple, portable and highly efficient.

RELATED CONTENT: What is the Mercury-Free Mining Challenge?
Launched by Pomeroy in 2017, the initial goal of Mercury-Free Mining (originally called the Mercury-Free Mining Challenge) was to get the jewelry industry to put up a $1 million prize for the creation of a safe, scalable and effective alternative to the use of mercury in mining by artisanal gold miners.

Artisanal miners produce 20 percent of the world’s annual gold supply, and almost all of them use the element to separate the gold they find from other materials. They burn off the mercury by heating it, sending toxic particles into the air that are harmful to people and the environment.

In a 2018 interview with National Jeweler, Pomeroy compared his challenge to the Ansari X Prize and the Wendy Schmidt Oil Cleanup X Challenge, which were launched to innovate in the fields of space travel and oil spill cleanups, respectively.

Now, Mercury-Free Mining has not actually raised the $1 million at this point.

But Pomeroy said when Richmond invited the organization to oversee demonstrations and testing of Goldrop requested by the Ghana National Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Association, he felt he could not turn down the invitation.

“His invitation was right on the heels of our realization that MFM needed to help raise awareness of the problem and to, ideally, provide the jewelry industry and the world with an on-the-ground, real-life connection to the people who struggle to
make a living mining for gold and whose only means of being marginally efficient is by using mercury,” he said.

“John’s invitation came at a perfect moment for MFM to help highlight this critical issue and to educate people on the need for a mercury alternative to be discovered.”

Pomeroy said he wants the jewelry industry to directly participate in and support the discovery of an alternative to mercury in artisanal mining.

“We are committed that jewelers can have an inspiring answer to the question, ‘Where is your gold from, and was it responsibly mined?’”

Mercury-Free Mining has launched a fundraising campaign to help raise $25,000 to complete the testing and documentation in Ghana.


Donations can be made through the donations page on the MFM website.

Pomeroy is sharing results from the Goldrop test run on the MFM website’s blog and on social media, including its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Timex ReWound video screenshot
WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old Watch

The company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.

GIA logo
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA

The lab confirmed it did not send the message.

Reginald Brack
AuctionsSep 21, 2023
Hindman Appoints New SVP, Director of Jewelry and Watches

Reginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.

BroughtToYou_Image_R02_V02_LK-01.jpg
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your Staff

Awareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.

The Artistry Ltd. 2024 catalog cover
MajorsSep 21, 2023
Artistry’s 2024 Catalog Has Shipped

It features colored gemstone, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver jewelry styles.

Weekly QuizSep 15, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Chemical vapor deposition reactors
Lab-GrownSep 20, 2023
Lab-Grown Diamond Outlook: Price Declines Aren’t a Deterrent

Some Indian manufacturers think the potential in this young, evolving market outweighs current price concerns.

The new Surat Diamond Bourse
SourcingSep 20, 2023
New Surat Diamond Bourse To Be World’s Largest Office Complex

The massive space spans 7.1 million square feet with more than 4,000 offices and 131 elevators.

Dialog Solutions
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog Solutions

Do you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.

Sahyog entrance
Policies & IssuesSep 20, 2023
Creating a Brighter Future for the Differently Abled

GIA is among the supporters of a new school building for children with special needs.

Online holiday season shopping
SurveysSep 20, 2023
Why Bain and Deloitte Think Sales Will Grow This Holiday Season

From holiday spending to inflation’s impact, here’s what analysts are forecasting for the season.

Tiffany & Co. X Rimowa collaboration suitcase and jewelry boxes
MajorsSep 20, 2023
Tiffany Collabs With Fellow LVMH-Owned Rimowa

The jeweler and luxury luggage company have teamed up on jewelry cases and a suitcase.

Navneet Gems and Minerals portrait-cut ruby
GradingSep 20, 2023
Navneet Gems Introduces Portrait-Cut Rubies

The geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.

Bleu Royal diamond
AuctionsSep 19, 2023
‘Bleu Royal’ Diamond to Fetch $35M-$50M at Auction

The 17.61-carat stone leads Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva this November.

Surveillance footage of bear spray robbery
CrimeSep 19, 2023
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison Following Bear Spray Robbery

The suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.

Fuli Gemstones Fuli Cut
GradingSep 19, 2023
Fuli Gemstones Unveils New Peridot Cut

The ‘Fuli Cut’ is based on an antique cushion.

Erlend Bore discovers ancient jewelry
MajorsSep 19, 2023
Norwegian Man Uncovers Ancient Jewels with Metal Detector

The jewels, including gold rings and pendants, are said to be from 500 A.D.

Stock photo of Russian diamonds from Alrosa
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2023
Grib Diamonds Among Companies Named in Latest Round of Sanctions

Grib is the Belgium-based subsidiary of Russian company JSC AGD Diamonds, which also was sanctioned.

Greenland Ruby rubies and pink sapphires
SourcingSep 18, 2023
Greenland Ruby Update Confirms Operational Suspension, Layoffs

The company anticipates resuming exploration and mining operations and rehiring staff in 2025.

A jewelry display at the New York City Jewelry and Watch Show
Events & AwardsSep 18, 2023
New York City Jewelry & Watch Show Announces 2023 Exhibitors

The antique and vintage jewelry and watch selling event is scheduled for Oct. 26-29.

Sotheby’s For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition men’s jewelry sale
AuctionsSep 15, 2023
Men’s Jewelry Takes the Spotlight in Sotheby’s Selling Exhibition

Frank Everett curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” opening in New York City in September.

De Beers Mic Drop Seize the Day ad
SourcingSep 15, 2023
‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Is Back Again, Backed by $20M

De Beers is putting the emphasis on natural diamonds in Q4 and ending Lightbox’s lab-grown diamond engagement ring test run.

Lindsey Scoggins transformable tourmaline, diamond, and rose gold flower earrings
TrendsSep 15, 2023
Piece of the Week: Lindsey Scoggins’ Transformable Earrings

The brand-new style can be worn three ways.

A Gucci purse and a YSL purse
TechnologySep 14, 2023
EBay Is Diving Deeper Into the Pre-Owned Pool

The tech company is launching a consignment service for sellers of luxury fashion goods, starting with handbags.

Kendra Scott at Target rendering
MajorsSep 14, 2023
Kendra Scott Heads to Target

With prices starting at $15, the Kendra Scott at Target collection launches next month.

JCK Industry Fund
Policies & IssuesSep 14, 2023
The JCK Industry Fund Is Accepting 2024 Grant Applications

The fund provides grants to organizations that better the jewelry industry.

CD Peacock and Zillion logo
MajorsSep 14, 2023
CD Peacock To Offer Jewelry Insurance Through Zillion

The Chicago retailer will now offer in-store customers instant quotes and coverage.

Danecraft jewelry
MajorsSep 13, 2023
American Exchange Group Acquires Danecraft

The accessories conglomerate is expanding its reach in the jewelry industry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy

Additionally, paste this code immediately after the opening  tag: