Needs of communities near mines in poor countries must prevail in the mining lifecycle, says Global Policy Forum

Artisanal gold mining, which accounts for more than a quarter of the global gold supply, is estimated to release 1,000 tons of toxic mercury per year. Some 15 million gold miners, including 4.5 million women and 600,000 children, are poisoned by direct contact with mercury. Such detrimental consequences can last for years even after operations have ended.
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