Understanding the Use, Release, and Effects of Mercury in Artisanal Gold Mining

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is considered one of the world’s largest emitters of mercury in the environment, accounting for approximately one-third of all global emissions. Miners use mercury to amalgamate gold. During the amalgamation process, mercury can be released directly into adjacent aquatic ecosystems because of poor care and handling of the liquid mercury.
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