Mercury in Artisanal Gold Mining in Latin America: Facts, Fantasies and Solutions

The modern gold rush in the Latin America which started in the 1980s, has involved millions of people who became artisanal miners to escape complete social marginalization. Over 1 million people are involved directly with artisanal gold mining activities, producing somewhere between 115 and 190 tonnes of gold emitting over 200 tonnes of mercury annually to the environment. Most developing countries face enormous social and environmental problems derived from poor mining practices taken together with lack of economic alternatives. The reaction of the dominant society about artisanal mining is biased. Mercury pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems, but this is just the tip of the iceberg of the environmental, social and economic problems associated with artisanal gold mining activities. The general population is ignorant about mercury and its capricious nature. Fantasies, panic and taboos are results of the poor role played by different sectors of the society which have hidden economic interests in not bringing correct information to the public. Affected communities (miners and fish-eating people) have been ignored. Exaggeration of the facts hinders a trustworthy approach. Because of this, all solutions to reduce mercury emissions are regarded with suspicion by miners. More illegality has been generated and artisanal miners are becoming skeptical about the interest of Governments and NGO institutions in solving problems. This paper describes the use of mercury in artisanal Latin American mining pointing out the facts and fantasies about mercury pollution. Solutions for the problem are also indicated. Education is highlighted as the main durable measure to reduce mercury emissions and identify dangerous situations. Processing Centers are described as a concrete and viable solution to reduce mercury use or even eliminate it.