Mines bureau to reduce work hazards

MANILA, Philippines - The metallurgical technology division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is researching a mercury-free method of analyzing iron content in laterite and iron ore to reduce the occupational hazard to its chemists.

Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a heavy, silvery-white metal that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure.

A toxic element, mercury can enter the body through an open wound, by inhalation or ingestion and cause damage to nerves, kidneys and liver.

Exposure to mercury can cause chronic and acute poisoning to both humans and animals.

Sylvia Alcantara, chief of the Chemical Laboratory Section (CLS) of the MGB Metallurgical Technology Division, said the procedure called Reductometric Titration with Ascorbic Acid is being developed to replace the traditional method of volumetric titration using mercuric chloride.

Initial tests, she said, yielded positive results.

The research project is determining not only the feasibility but also the competence of the mercury-free analysis method against the conventional method.

The MGB’s metallurgical technology division conducts research on mining technologies appropriate for local use.

The division also provides metallurgical and analytical services to MGB regional offices, mining contractors and permit applicants such as metallurgical batch tests for determining the technical and economic feasibility of mineral extraction from ore.

The division also operates and maintains metallurgical and chemical laboratories of the mines bureau.