Mercury-Free Gold Mining: Health, Environmental, and Biodiversity Impacts of Mercury Use

Introduction

It is well documented that ~ 15–20 million impoverished artisanal and small-scale gold (ASG) miners worldwide- all largely suspected of having undiagnosed mercury (Hg) poisoning, collectively produce 20 – 25% of the world’s total annual gold (Au) supply valued at ~ USD $30 billion mostly using mercury (UNEP Global Mercury Partnership report, 2023). 

However, their reliance on mercury —a potent neurotoxin poses severe risks to human health affecting the digestive, damage to the central nervous system, immune system, pulmonary, and thyroid systems, and leading to neurological conditions such as memory loss, insomnia, tremors, neuromuscular impairment, headaches, and even paralysis according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (Mercury, 2024; Mercury and Health Fact Sheet, 2017).

Manipueira Gold Recovery Technology developed a four-stage ESG aligned transformative strategy Action Plan designed to provide a plant-based alternative proven to sustainably recover more gold safely and faster than by using mercury or synthetic cyanide salts.  

Full references and supporting research are provided in the complete presentation: Four-stage ESG aligned transformative strategy Action Plan →