Environmental innovation for a cleaner, brighter future within Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)

Our innovative DRAM filtration technology is engineered to extract and reclaim a diverse array of metallic components from mine tailings, eliminating the need for sophisticated infrastructure in remote areas. The DRAM system not only prevents the continued environmental release of associated metals but also has the potential to address historical tailings ponds and impacted water courses. 

Artisanal gold mine in Peru
Hand processing of gold from an artisanal mine in Peru

The issues associated with ASGM 

Mercury pollution

Mercury is used within small scale 
gold mining operations to amalgamate the gold particles using vaporisation.   This releases the mercury into the environment polluting the surrounding water, land and air. 

Destruction of natural habitat

Natural habitats are diminished in areas of ASGM to enable the activity to take place. Removal of vegetation and displacement of earth contributes significantly to soil erosion, impacts localised hydrology and is a leading cause of biodiversity loss.

Selective mining

The mining is targeted for a specific comodity (e.g. gold) and typically ignores other metals naturally associated with these deposits (e.g. platinum, chromium, molybdenum and silver).

Our solution - DRAM

DRAM is designed to provide a sustainable solution to metal recovery, including mercury, silver, copper and lead, that requires no use of chemicals, minimal power requirements and mitigates the release of excessive carbon emissions.

Case Study - Peru

Peru has a well established history of artisanal goldmining, causing an alarming rate of deforestation and associated pollution in the Amazon each year. Dr. Leigh Cassidy had the opportunity to take our DRAM technology to the Madre De Dios region of Peru when participating in the Conservation X ASGM competition in 2022. 

Nibeenabe Team

Dr. Leigh Cassidy

Founder / CTO

Leigh studied Environmental Sciences at the University of Aberdeen followed by a PhD focusing on pollution issues including toxicity, fate and remediation of chlorinated solvents. During this time she made a ground breaking discovery in water treatment - DRAM filtration technology.

Urica Primus

Chair

Urica has extensive experience in both leadership and mining. She currently sits on or chairs a number of relevant boards including DELVE, ARM, Guyanan women and mines, and Geology and Mines Comission.

 
Gianela Jiminez

Peru Lead

Gianela has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Engineering and a Masters in Metallurgical Engineering. She has extensive experience in both laboratory and field work within mining environments.

Samantha Threadgold

Scientist

Samantha has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science and a Foundation degree in Marine Science. She has experience working within water treatment industries, laboratory based research and development skills and is proficient in field work.