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Peruvian engineer changes mining industry with eco-friendly invention

Living in Peru
Jobana Soto

Peruvian engineer, Carlos Villachica, has developed a new form of “clean” technology which he will reveal at next week’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima. His invention, designed to separate gold, is already used by miners testing the equipment in Madre de Dios.

The effects of mining are damaging to the environment. In gold mining, chunks of rocks containing gold are smash on mercury treated ground ore. During the process, the mercury seeps into the ground, creating a toxic stew. To separate the two, mercury is burned off releasing poisonous fumes. Mercury is considered highly toxic with fatal effects.

There is critical concern over mining operations done in Madre de Dios and other parts of the Amazon because of its damaging effects to wildlife and various species.

But Villachica has figured out a way to remove the dangerous element from the equation. The machine, ECO-100, designed by himself and his daughter Joyce, also an engineer, uses a foam floatation process with simple gravitational techniques that can separate gold from excavation matter. The ECO-100 can recuperate 97 percent of the gold according to Villachica.

The machine is said to change mining forever and will hold its official release on November 20 during the APEC summit. Its cost is predicted at around US$2,000 to US$2,200 for one machine used by a group of six or 10 miners.

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# Michel Falcon says :
14 November, 2008 [ 18:10 ]

Does anyone know how to get a hold of this gentlemen? Sounds like a very interesting investment opportunity.

Thank You

# QA says :
15 November, 2008 [ 09:36 ]

$2,000....  I think this is MORE LIKE $12,000....  I am seeing it now in Headlines.... "PERUVIAN SELLS MULTI MILLION DOLLAR INVENTION for $2,000"     BIG Mining company are going to gobble this one up and push him out the back door.   WHAT A SHAME,,,,,,  I am happy to her the this is a Peruvian Invention.  But I sure Hope He re thinks the Selling Price.....

# aqp geo says :
15 November, 2008 [ 11:13 ]

I have worked in the mining industry for over 40 years and have seen hundreds of similar announcements.  Inventors and promoters claim to have a new revolutionary classified/ secret process to recover or assay for gold. They cannot explain the process because it is proprietary and/or other excuses.

I have never seen one of these new processes succeed. They are just scams designed to separate the money from the investor.

# SA says :
15 November, 2008 [ 21:46 ]

Why is it that innovation can not take place in Peru???
I see no reason why not.

# David says :
16 November, 2008 [ 21:13 ]

I think I read something about this several months ago. From what I remember of the story and the photo that accompanied it the machine looked like something put together in a backyard shed. Not something that has been professionally developed.

Perhaps some investment money will help.

# skeptic says :
17 November, 2008 [ 07:45 ]

Two faults with his plan. First, mercury is rarely used anymore with modern technology and second, when it used, it is used within process equipment, so there is no "stew" to seep in to the ground. Also, mercury vapors are collected and recondensed for reuse, as the stuff isn't cheap.

Now, if he could improve upon the cyanide extraction method then he might have a chance.

# Robert L shrewsbury says :
17 November, 2008 [ 08:48 ]

Maybe it is just another scam? So many these days! It is a $2,000.00 dollar gamble that it will work. I am Terra Firma Assayers INC and in the mining business I have seen un-countable scams. I would have to see this one work with my own samples so I would know they were not salted with gold to fool me.
www.terrafirmaassayers.com

# R Shrewsbury says :
17 November, 2008 [ 20:24 ]

This system of yours has been around here in the USA for a few decades!

# Fred H says :
15 May, 2009 [ 12:00 ]

Thx, very interesting.

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