Int’l treaty bans mercury; small scale mining end seen

Once the country starts complying with the treaty, mercury users like the artisanal small-scale gold miners (ASGM)  will experience the biggest impact  since the substance would eventually be gone in the market or if not supply would be scarce,  it will  be sold in much higher prices.

With this eventuality, he encouraged all ASGM to shift from mercury dependence since a technology for safer mining methods could be availed in the locality.

Gutierrez  said mercury impact on health and the environment especially through amalgamation  has its consequences ranging from mercury poisoning, kidney damage, brain and neurological damage and contamination of the land and water networks eventually affecting the human food chain.

http://northphiltimes.blogspot.com/2013/07/intl-treaty-bans-mercury-small-scale.html