10 to 15 million people in developing countries are directly involved in small-scale artisanal mining of gold, producing 300 to 400 tonnes/year Au and causing high levels of river siltation, mercury pollution, and other environmental problems.
After four decades of intensification of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in virtually all developing countries, the environmental, social, and health situation of these miners has not improved much. Miners are releasing into the environment more than 1000 tonnes/year of mercury, mixing mercury with cyanide and intoxicating their families and neighbors. There are, however, a few small-miners, particularly in Ecuador, using more responsible and cleaner gold extraction methods.
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