BLOOD GOLD

According to the Science article, artisanal gold mining accounts for 37 percent of the world’s known mercury pollution, the largest single category. It’s also the most difficult to control.
Banning the practice simply doesn’t work; it merely drives things underground. Another approach is persuading artisanal miners to use different processes—ones that are safer for them and the environment, more efficient and even potentially less expensive. The challenge is in bringing education and cooperation to an industry that’s inherently informal.
http://simanaitissays.com/2013/11/03/blood-gold/