In small scale mining, gold released from pulverized ores by ball- and rod-mill grinding operations is mixed with mercury to produce a silvery alloy called amalgam. The process is called amalgamation. The amalgam is melted by a blowtorch of intense heat to melt the gold into a mass, while the mercury evaporates into the air. Mercury, in its gaseous state, condenses again and falls back into the ground, contaminating ground water, plants and entering into the food-chain cycle, later to be ingested by humans and animals.
As a deadly neurotoxin, mercury is dangerous whether ingested or inhaled. Prolonged exposure to its fumes can hinder the development of children’s intellectual and physical development. In extreme cases, mercury poisoning can even lead to death. Families living in, or near small-scale gold mining sites, are continuously exposed to mercury fumes and residue.
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