Small-Scale Mining in Itogon

I've always thought that gold comes in the form of small stones hidden inside tunnels. As in, you'll find them shining once inside a mine. Little did I know that it's made of soft particles imbedded in rocks.

I had a rare privilege of seeing the different aspects of small-scale mining in Itogon, an area rich in gold deposits. It used to host two big mining corporations: Benguet Mining Corporation in Antamok and Virac and Itogon-Suyoc Mines in Sangilo.

Before these big corporations came, the people of Itogon were already into small-scale mining, a traditional occupation deeply woven into the fabric of their lives. Thus, they observe many age-old rules when going inside tunnels, while processing the ore, up to the time the gold is finally purified and melted. “We believe that gold has a spirit. Gold will always be there if we respect it and share it with others,” reveals Manang Leticia from Itogon.

One important lesson I learned: small-scale miners put their life at risk every time they go inside the usok (tunnel). Whatever they earn for their gold is nothing compared to the dangers they face whenever they go deep into the tunnel.

The mountains of Itogon, Benguet at dusk.

Cooking coffee at the lagangan.

A woman separates (dayas) visible gold particles from soil using a metal pan and a pool of water.

Melting gold using a blower, charcoal, borax and gangi (a bowl made of clay).