Characterization of Environmental Pollution Associated with the Amalgamation Process Based on the Loss of Mercury

Abstract

This work addresses the problem of indiscriminate use of mercury, in gold amalgamation and refocusing (burning) processes, an element of high toxicity that cause serious damage to the environment and human health; being a conventional method of treatment of gold minerals for its easy operation and extraction of gold, purpose that allows us to study, the loss of mercury and quantify in the area of greatest influence, (Nasca – Ocoña strip) the impacts of mercurial residues, both on the environment and on the mining worker and its environment. proposes new alternatives for the treatment of gold ore that allow the gradual reduction of the use of mercury and cyanide; assesses the working conditions of miners who are currently operating in the research-delimited area. Swipe to gravimetric concentration as an environmentally friendly technology, layers to replace the amalgamation process and avoid relaves with high mercury.