Amalgamati
on is a commonly used gold extraction process that unleashes widespread mercury contamination
and poisons local ecosystems. In amalgamation, mercury is first brought into contact with gold, resulting in a
solution of gold in mercury or an alloy of gold and
mercury called amalgam. After the mercury has gathered in
the gold it can be removed by dissolving it in nitric acid or by evaporating it with heat. The gold remains
behind.
Small scale gold mining often relies on this process to extract gold, releasing v
ast quantities of mercury vapor
into the environment. Mercury vapor has serious health consequences for both animals and humans. The
amount of vapor released by mining activities has been proven to damage the kidneys, liver, brain, heart,
lungs, colon, and
immune system. Chronic exposure to mercury may result in fatigue, weight loss, tremors,
and behavioral and personality shiftshttp://www.lgec.org.uk/resources/assets/files/Sustainable_Skills/Mining_resources/Dirty_Gold_Mining.pdf
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