A Performance Assessment Model of Small-Scale Gold Mining Systems in the Philippines Using Benchmarking Strategies

Abstract

The Philippines is one of the top producers of gold in the world. However, small-scale gold mining in the country is still an informal industry in the country. To facilitate competitiveness and sustainability, proper legislation and control of the industry must be present. The study aimed to develop a standard framework and model that would aid the mining companies and the government mining regulatory agencies in assessing their performance in terms of the triple bottom-line objectives, i.e the environmental, economic, and operational aspects of small-scale gold mining facilities, using a performance-based management framework. This study developed a monitoring and control model in the form of an assessment checklist that covers the aforementioned aspects of a small-scale gold mining facility. 

The model was applied and verified by comparing actual ratings and criteria by small-scale mining operators and regional regulatory agencies, and validated by evaluating specific test sites. Applying the assessment model with the test sites show that small-scale gold mining in the sites observed are not at par with all of the standards set by the study which would indicate  numerous observed are not at par with all of standards set by the study which would indicate numerous improvement opportunities as discussed in the study. Usability of the model was also tested to check if the model could be readily used by the respondents. Results indicated that the proposed model can quantify the performance of small-scale gold mining facilities in the country and can potentially be used as a tool for government units concerned with the industry for monitoring such facilities. 

Keywords: small-scale, gold mining, performance assessment, checklist, Philippines