Initiatives to combat mercury use in artisanal small-scale gold mining: A review on issues and challenges

Abstract

The Minamata Convention on mercury has received a number of criticisms and challenges that potentially hinder its progress on reducing and controlling mercury use and release by artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASSGM). The resulting weak environmental control has repercussions for the social and environmental wellbeing of countries that subsist on ASSGM in their territory. Lack of distinguishing and categorizing ASSGM, the absence of a contextual implementation plan, and no defined means of communication are some of the aspects that lead to unsuccessful initiatives, particularly on effectively introducing mercury-free technologies. Moreover, an underestimation of the active mining population implies that the problem is greater than what is perceived. ASSGM is a viable source of poverty alleviation which cannot be ignored and therefore the resulting socioeconomic and environmental challenges need to be addressed while optimizing economic benefits. In this paper a compendium of issues and challenges that need to be addressed to reduce and control mercury use and release by ASSGM are discussed. By reviewing the challenges of successful case studies, a comprehensive approach is proposed to enhance the implementation of the Minamata Convention on mercury.