But two of the biggest sources are coal fired power plants and artisanal mining, together emitting around 1100 tonnes per year.
Coal itself contains mercury, which is released when the coal is burned. Artisanal gold mining involves using mercury to separate the gold from its ore. This forms a gold-mercury amalgam which is burned off with a torch. It’s simple, requires no training, and is relatively cheap.
Mercury is tasteless and odourless, so when it does get into the environment it’s not easy to spot.
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