In more than 55 developing countries, 10 million to 15 million small-scale miners, many legal, depend on rudimentary forms of gold extraction for their livelihood.

To others, particularly small-scale miners, this activity is productive and simply the only way out of poverty when agriculture fails.

Furthermore, an estimated 100,000 small-scale informal miners pollute rivers with cyanide and mercury.

AngloGold Ashanti has been exploring in the area since 2004, causing tensions with local small-scale miners.

Canatuan became the haven for migrant small-scale miners who armed themselves to maintain control over their interests.

Although this method has largely been replaced by modern methods, some dredging is done by small-scale miners using suction dredges.

Gold yielded an estimated 2000 kg in 2004 and was produced by small-scale artisanal miners, mostly in the eastern part of the country.

"These are small-scale miners who tunnel into the side of the mountains like rats," Mr Ramos said.

The teachers begin with prospecting and showing the small-scale miners more efficient ways to mine in their areas.