Does mining use mercury?

Mercury is still used to extract gold in the developing world despite safer alternatives and the elimination of mercury use by large-scale mining operations. It is used by artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), often in unsafe and environmentally damaging ways.[1, p.13] The United Nations Industrial Development Organization estimates that 1,000 tons of mercury is released into the air, soil, and water each year by this sector.[4, p.9]

Mercury is used to purify gold from ore in a process called amalgamation. Miners and their families often inhale toxic mercury vapors through this process, and mercury can pollute homes and communities.[5] It can also contaminate the land and water where gold processing occurs.
http://www.miningfacts.org/Environment/Does-mining-use-mercury/