Small-scale mining is labour intensive but it provides a source of income to a large number of men and women in developing countries. For those who rely on small-scale mining for their livelihood, the development of better technologies and safer, more environmentally sound practices will make a real difference.

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• Technical Briefs and Manuals

A Simple Retort / Una Retorta Simple
How to make and use a simple retort for separating gold-mercury amalgam
ENGLISH-ESPAÑOL
Edmund Bugnosen for Practical Action, updated 2007, 5 pages

Gypsum Processing and Use
Gypsum is used as a building material, making writing chalk, as a soil conditioner and to make moulds for pottery.
Otto Ruskulis for Appropriate Technology Magazine, June 1997 and updated for Practical Action, March 2008, 7 pages

Mineral Processing: Milling

This brief presents the factors to consider when choosing a grinding application and gives an overview of the equipment available.
Otto Ruskulis for Practical Action, 1998, 18 pages.  Last updated by Otto in June 2009