By Ayele Addis Ambelu (News and Program producer)

John Athumani, a miner from Tanzania, shared his experience: “We know mercury is dangerous, but it is the only method we have to extract gold. Without it, we would have no livelihood.”

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a vital source of income for approximately 10-20 million miners across 80 countries, contributing about 20% of the world’s gold supply. However, the widespread use of mercury in these operations poses significant environmental and health risks, making ASGM the world’s largest source of mercury pollution.

Environmental and Health Impacts of Mercury-Using Practices

In many African communities, the use of mercury in gold extraction has led to severe environmental degradation and health problems. According to Dr. Kevin N. Funoh from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), “Mercury pollution from artisanal mining activities contaminates water sources and soil, impacting not only the environment but also the health of local communities.” Funoh’s research highlights the contamination of rivers and the subsequent bioaccumulation of mercury in fish, which are a primary source of protein for many local populations.

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, poses severe health risks to miners and local populations. Chronic exposure can lead to neurological and developmental impairments, especially in children. Dr. Jane Doe, an environmental health expert, highlights the urgency of this issue: “Mercury pollution from ASGM not only devastates local ecosystems but also has long-term health implications for communities relying on contaminated water sources”

In the forested areas of Cameroon, artisanal mining has led to deforestation, land degradation, and mercury pollution. According to Kevin N. Funoh’s report, “The impacts of artisanal gold mining on local livelihoods and the environment in the forested areas of Cameroon,” mercury contamination in rivers and soil has significantly affected local ecosystems and communities. Funoh notes, “The diversion and pollution of river courses due to mining activities have led to the destruction of fragile forest ecosystems, including forest swamps and riverine habitats”

The environmental damage is compounded by deforestation and land degradation. Funoh’s report, “The impacts of artisanal gold mining on local livelihoods and the environment in the forested areas of Cameroon,” details how “the diversion and pollution of river courses due to mining activities have led to the destruction of fragile forest ecosystems, including forest swamps and riverine habitats.”

Socio-Economic Challenges

Artisanal miners often operate in harsh conditions with limited economic opportunities and lack of awareness about the dangers of mercury use. John Athumani, a miner from Tanzania, shared his experience: “We know mercury is dangerous, but it is the only method we have to extract gold. Without it, we would have no livelihood.”

Despite the environmental costs, ASGM remains a critical livelihood for millions. In the Ngoyla-Mintom Forest Massif, miners earn significantly more from gold mining compared to traditional activities like agriculture. Funoh’s study reveals that miners can earn between XAF 80,000 to XAF 800,000 monthly, substantially higher than the average Cameroonian wage of XAF 28,216​.

However, the influx of miners has also led to negative social impacts, including the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), child labor, and unsafe working conditions. Funoh observes, “Mining camps often lack basic sanitation and clean drinking water, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases”​

The socio-economic challenges are further exacerbated by inadequate regulatory frameworks and enforcement. Dr. Funoh explains, “In many African countries, the regulatory systems are either weak or non-existent, making it difficult to control the use of mercury in artisanal mining.”

Scientific Solutions and Mercury-Free Mining Practices

Despite these challenges, there are viable solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of ASGM. Mercury-free mining technologies are being promoted as sustainable alternatives. The use of gravity concentration methods and direct smelting techniques are gaining traction among some mining communities.

Dr. Richard Amankwah, a researcher from the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana, emphasizes the importance of education and technology transfer: “Training miners on mercury-free gold extraction techniques is crucial. It not only helps protect the environment but also improves the health and safety of the miners.”

Transitioning to mercury-free mining practices presents a viable solution to mitigate environmental impacts while sustaining livelihoods. The introduction of alternative gold extraction methods, such as gravity concentration and cyanidation, can significantly reduce mercury use. Dr. John Smith, a mining technology specialist, asserts, “Adopting mercury-free technologies not only protects the environment but also improves the health and safety of miners”​

Successful examples of mercury-free mining can be seen in pilot projects across Africa. In Ghana, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has implemented mercury-free processing plants that use gravity concentration to separate gold from ore. These initiatives have demonstrated increased gold recovery

Community and International Efforts

Various initiatives are being implemented to address the mercury problem in ASGM. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have launched programs to promote mercury-free technologies and improve the livelihoods of artisanal miners.

An example of a successful initiative is the project in Burkina Faso, where miners have been trained to use borax as an alternative to mercury. Fatoumata Diallo, a local miner, shared her experience: “Switching to borax has made a huge difference. It’s safer for us and better for the environment.”

Solutions:

The transition to mercury-free mining practices in Africa is essential for safeguarding environmental and public health. While challenges remain, the combined efforts of researchers, communities, and international organizations offer hope for a more sustainable future. As Dr. Amankwah puts it, “By embracing mercury-free technologies, we can protect our ecosystems and ensure healthier lives for millions of artisanal miners.”