The Centre for Trade Policy and Development – CTPD has urged Government to promote and safeguard the environment in the exploitation process of the gold resource by crafting legislation that prohibits the wanton use of mercury in the booming artisanal and small scale gold mining operations.
This call comes after an observation that the artisanal and small-scale gold mining – ASGM sector in Zambia is increasingly being seen as a source of wealth and future employment opportunities for those who cannot get jobs in the formal sector.
CTPD has stated that the use of mercury in the gold mining sector is a serious health and environmental threat for communities hosting the gold resource, as the wanton use of Mercury in gold processing results in the contamination of rivers and streams hence poses a serious health risk for people who drink and fish from those water bodies.
The Center’s senior researcher Webby Banda has told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that there is need to sensitize and train artisanal and small – scale gold mining operators on efficient use, provide them or help them acquire mercury capture devices such as retorts or fume hoods to capture mercury vapor emitted when the mercury/gold amalgam which is burnt.
“In mineral processing, the gold is usually mixed with mercury to form an amalgam and the formed amalgam is heated to separate the gold from the mercury. This heating process discharges toxic mercury vapours which are very dangerous to human health. Mercury in its vapour form is known as elemental mercury. This form of mercury attacks the central nervous system, destroys kidneys, and leads to auto-immune impairment and respiratory distress. High exposures can lead to long life disability,” He added.
Banda further notes that a safe environment and healthy miners are critical aspects of promoting responsible and sustainable supply chains in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. He warned that Zambia should learn from other countries on the dangers of unregulated or untrained use of mercury in gold processing.
CTPD has called on Government to sensitize gold diggers and mineworkers on the safety and health protocols that can be followed to avoid poisoning, saying if the use of mercury cannot be limited or prevented, there is need for Mineworkers to work in well-ventilated areas to reduce the exposure to the mercury/gold amalgam.
