The mercury supply chain, stakeholders and their responsibilities in the quest for mercury-free gold

Fritz, Morgane M.C.; Maxson, Peter A.; Baumgartner, Rupert J.

doi:10.1016/j.resourpol.2016.07.007

Cited by 37 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Additionally, the challenges in implementing and enforcing the mandates of the Minamata Convention are manifold and require careful consideration of labor dynamics, land and resource rights, the relationship between formal and informal mining sectors, and engagement strategies that support rather than alienate miners that rely on gold mining as their only source of income ,. Ethical dilemmas also arise when restricting or banning mercury without supporting alternative mining methods or establishing other employment opportunities for miners . Additionally, cumbersome licensing measures for ASGM and severe restriction of mercury has largely resulted in non‐compliance with the regulations and growing black markets for mercury trade .…”

Section: Challenges and Opportunities For Chemistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The gold isolated after heating the amalgam will typically contain up to 5 % residual mercury by mass . Gold shops will typically purchase the gold and refine it further to remove mercury, again through distillation . In some parts of the world, these gold shops also process the full mercury–gold amalgam .…”

Section: The Process: Mining Gold With Mercurymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Chemists may also be in a position to inform or shape policy decisions regarding the regulation of ASGM practices, remediation strategies, and gold and mercury trade . Additionally, the challenges in implementing and enforcing the mandates of the Minamata Convention are manifold and require careful consideration of labor dynamics, land and resource rights, the relationship between formal and informal mining sectors, and engagement strategies that support rather than alienate miners that rely on gold mining as their only source of income ,. Ethical dilemmas also arise when restricting or banning mercury without supporting alternative mining methods or establishing other employment opportunities for miners .…”

Section: Challenges and Opportunities For Chemistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Mercury Problem in Artisanal and Small‐Scale Gold Mining

Esdaile

Chalker

2018

Chemistry A European J

335

177

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Mercury‐dependent artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest source of mercury pollution on Earth. In this practice, elemental mercury is used to extract gold from ore as an amalgam. The amalgam is typically isolated by hand and then heated—often with a torch or over a stove—to distill the mercury and isolate the gold. Mercury release from tailings and vaporized mercury exceed 1000 tonnes each year from ASGM. The health effects on the miners are dire, with inhaled mercury leading to neurological damage and other health issues. The communities near these mines are also affected due to mercury contamination of water and soil and subsequent accumulation in food staples, such as fish—a major source of dietary protein in many ASGM regions. The risks to children are also substantial, with mercury emissions from ASGM resulting in both physical and mental disabilities and compromised development. Between 10 and 19 million people use mercury to mine for gold in more than 70 countries, making mercury pollution from ASGM a global issue. With the Minamata Convention on Mercury entering force this year, there is political motivation to help overcome the problem of mercury in ASGM. In this effort, chemists can play a central role. Here, the problem of mercury in ASGM is reviewed with a discussion on how the chemistry community can contribute solutions. Introducing portable and low‐cost mercury sensors, inexpensive and scalable remediation technologies, novel methods to prevent mercury uptake in fish and food crops, and efficient and easy‐to‐use mercury‐free mining techniques are all ways in which the chemistry community can help. To meet these challenges, it is critical that new technologies or techniques are low‐cost and adaptable to the remote and under‐resourced areas in which ASGM is most common. The problem of mercury pollution in ASGM is inherently a chemistry problem. We therefore encourage the chemistry community to consider and address this issue that affects the health of millions of people.

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Section: Challenges and Opportunities For Chemistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Process: Mining Gold With Mercurymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Challenges and Opportunities For Chemistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Mercury Problem in Artisanal and Small‐Scale Gold Mining

Esdaile

Chalker

2018

Chemistry A European J

335

177

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“…It is estimated that 400 metric tons of gold is produced worldwide through ASGM. 50 In 2006, the UNEP reported on the global impact of mercury supply and demand in ASGM. The official amount of mercury imported in Brazil (2005) was 43.3 tons of mercury, with the majority of the mercury coming from Spain and the UK.…”

Section: Health Risks From Mercury In Cremationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury Contamination from Dental Amalgam

Tibau

Grube

2019

Journal of Health and Pollution

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Background. Mercury in dental amalgam is a hidden source of global mercury pollution, resulting from the illegal diversion of dental mercury into the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector, to crematoria emissions from the deceased and sewage sludge that is sold to farmers. These significant mercury sources result in air, water, and food contamination that consequently have a negative impact on human health. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to investigate and report on all of the various pathways mercury in dental amalgam can enter the environment. Methods. The present study searched the electronic data bases of PubMed and Google Scholar. Peer reviewed journals and references of studies included for full-text review were examined for potentially relevant studies. Articles published between 2000 to 2018 were searched and specifically screened for articles that referenced "Dental Amalgam, " and the following key words in various combinations: "Minamata Convention on Mercury Treaty, " "Sewage Sludge, " "Cremation, " and "Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining. " Data were included on the most populous countries of China, India, the United States, Brazil, and the European Union collectively. We also included data on cremation statistics and current global trends, looking at populations where cremation is a common practice, such as Japan and India. Discussion. Dental amalgam represents a significant, but understudied area of global mercury pollution that includes cremation, sewage sludge, burial, and small-scale gold mining. Conclusions. Mercury used in products and processes, including dental amalgams, is a global pollutant. Even after the last mercury dental amalgam is placed, its toxic legacy will continue for decades, because of its pervasive bioaccumulation in the environment. Government regulatory agencies should make it mandatory to utilize available technologies, not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries, to reduce mercury contamination.

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“…Penggunaan merkuri masih banyak dimanfaatkan oleh PESK, karena sifat merkuri yang dapat melarutkan berbagai logam untuk membentuk senyawa amalgam (alloy) (1,12,(14)(15)(16)(17). Toksisitas Merkuri dalam kegiatan PESK menjadi perhatian khusus, terutama implikasi klinisnya pada kesehatan manusia (2,8,9).…”

Section: Pendahuluanunclassified

KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT MERKURI (Hg) DI GUNUNG BOTAK KABUPATEN KEPULAUAN BURU PROVINSI MALUKU

Hindratmo¹,

Masitoh²,

Mukhtar³

et al. 2019

ecolab

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ABSTRAKKeberadaan Penambangan Emas Sekala Kecil (PESK) memberikan dampak positif terhadap perkembangan ekonomi mikro, tetapi PESK menghasilkan dampak lingkungan dan kesehatan lainnya yang merugikan. Sejumlah penelitian telah melaporkan kontribusi PESK terhadap degradasi lahan, polusi air dan polusi tanah. Toksisitas Merkuri dalam kegiatan PESK menjadi perhatian khusus, terutama implikasi klinisnya pada kesehatan manusia. Sejak tahun 2011, kegiatan PESK di Gunung Botak, Kabupaten Buru Maluku dilaporkan menggunakan merkuri dalam pengolahannya. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kasus pencemaran merkuri pada DAS Anthoni yang berhulu pada Kawasan Gunung Botak. Dampak pencemaran lingkungan dilaporkan oleh masyarakat sekitarnya dengan matinya hewan ternak, dan peringatan untuk tidak mengkonsumsi air sumur disekitarnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kandungan merkuri pada media air dan tanah pada area bekas PESK Gunung Botak, Kabupaten Buru Provinsi Maluku. Pengambilan contoh uji dilakukan di 4 lokasi titik pengambilan air, dan 6 lokasi titik pengambilan tanah. Berdasarkan penelitian yang dilakukan, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa kandungan merkuri di dalam air di semua titik di sekitar Gunung Botak berkisar 0,002 mg/L -1.5 mg/L, nilai ini telah melebihi baku mutu sesuai PP 82/2001 tentang pengelolaan kualitas air dan pengendalian pencemaran air yaitu 0,002 mg/L, dan kadar merkuri di dalam tanah berkisar 1.5 mg/kg -214 mg/kg, aku mutu Hg di dalam tanah 6,6 mg/Kg menurut Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Environmental and Human Health th 2001 yaitu 6,6 mg/Kg. ABSTRACTThe existence of Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has a positive impact on microeconomic development, but ASGM generates adverse environmental and other health impacts. A number of studies have reported the contribution of ASGM to land degradation, water pollution and soil pollution. Mercury toxicity in ASGM activities is of particular concern, especially its clinical implications on human health. Since 2011, ASGM activities in Gunung Botak, Buru Regency, Maluku have reported using mercury in their processing. The results of the study showed cases of mercury pollution in the Anthoni watershed that originated in the Mount Botak area. The impact of environmental pollution is reported by the surrounding community with the death of livestock, and a warning not to consume well water in the vicinity. This study aims to determine the content of mercury in water and soil media in the former BESK Gunung Botak area, Buru Regency, Maluku Province. Sampling was carried out in 4 locations of water collection points, and 6 locations of soil collection points. Based on research conducted, it can be concluded that the mercury content in water at all points around Mount Botak ranges from 0.002 mg / L -1.5 mg / L, this value has exceeded the quality standards in accordance with PP 82/2001 regarding water quality management and pollution control water is 0.002 mg / L, and mercury levels in the soil range from 1.5 mg / kg -214 mg / kg, I Hg quality in the soil...

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The mercury supply chain, stakeholders and their responsibilities in the quest for mercury-free gold

Cited by 37 publications

References 54 publications

The Mercury Problem in Artisanal and Small‐Scale Gold Mining

The Mercury Problem in Artisanal and Small‐Scale Gold Mining

Mercury Contamination from Dental Amalgam

KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT MERKURI (Hg) DI GUNUNG BOTAK KABUPATEN KEPULAUAN BURU PROVINSI MALUKU

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