Understanding The Problem: Mercury Poisoning and Exposure
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern, according to the World Health Organization. Pure Earth estimates that 19 million people are at risk for exposure to mercury globally.
Mercury poisoning can cause damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Mercury is particularly dangerous to young children, babies in utero, and pregnant women. The mercury released into the environment knows no borders and contaminates rivers and oceans, fish and other marine animals, and eventually the global food chain.
Pure Earth’s Toxic Sites Identification Program has identified and assessed over 500 sites around the world where exposure to mercury threatens the health of the population.
Photo: Larry C. Price
Severe mercury poisoning can result in limb deformities.
Toxic Gold:
Mercury Poisoning and Artisanal Gold Mining
This video explains why and how small-scale gold miners use mercury
The Impact: Mercury Poisoning from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining
Up to 20% of the world’s gold comes from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) which is responsible for the release of an estimated 1,000 tons of mercury annually, representing about 30% of the world’s anthropogenic mercury releases, according to United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). As much as 95% of all mercury used in ASGM mining is released into the environment. Once released, mercury travels around the world, dropping into oceans and rivers, contaminating the seafood we all consume.
Photo: Mercury contaminates seafood consumed around the world. Pregnant women, in particular, are often warned to limit their intake.
Read Pure Earth’s Global Mercury Program Strategy
PURE EARTH’S 4-PHASE SOLUTION
to Mercury Poisoning and Pollution Across the Globe
1. FIND MERCURY HOT SPOTS
Work with governments to identify ASGM sites where mercury use is poisoning children and families and damaging ecosystems.
2. MEASURE AND EDUCATE
Assess the extent of mercury contamination in the environment and the level of mercury exposure threatening a community. Educate miners and families on the dangers of mercury use, safe work practices, and methods to protect themselves and their children.
3. TRAIN AND CLEAN UP
Train miners in safe and profitable mercury-free mining techniques; test a range of remediation approaches to remove mercury.
4. REFORESTATION
Replant and restore regions of the Amazon rainforest stripped bare by mining activity. Native tree species are carefully selected for inclusion in landscape restoration. The species offer multiple benefits—ecological, medicinal, economic and more.
Mercury Poisoning Reduction Solutions
Mercury-Free Methods
Education
Reforestation
Mine to Market Solutions
Reforestation Solutions
Pure Earth is the only organization working directly with artisanal miners to “fulfill their obligation to the rainforest”
Mercury-Free Mining Solutions
Artisanal Mining Grand Challenge:
Interview of Pure Earth’s France Cabanillas
Our Impact
EASTERN EUROPE/CENTRAL ASIA
Latin America
Asia
Africa
Trapping a Slippery Foe
Pure Earth’s innovative global mercury index explained in The Chemical Engineer magazine.
The Jewelry Industry Can Be A Leader In Solving The Global Issue Of Mercury Pollution From Artisanal & Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)
Why Should the Jewelry Industry Care?
- Supply chain and reputational risk
> Even best practices cannot ensure that supply chains are completely free of gold from ASGM sources using mercury;
> Without a commitment to mercury-free practices there will always be “dirty” gold that can tarnish the reputation of the industry.
- Investors, employees and consumers care
> Consumers expect companies to have purpose, societal impact and do no harm;
> Investors are looking for companies that incorporate ESG criteria – profits and purpose are linked;
> Employees want to work for companies that care.
- It’s the right thing to do
> Being a truly responsible business means going beyond the norm. It means supporting disadvantaged communities and reducing toxic releases. This is true sustainability;
> We have a moral imperative to make the world a better place.
INDUSTRY NEWS: Responsible Jewelry Council Newsletter
NONPROFIT PURE EARTH WORKS WITH JEWELRY INDUSTRY ON MERCURY-FREE GOLD MINING SOLUTION
CASE STUDY: See how Brilliant Earth is working with Pure Earth
In an update, Brilliant Earth states in their 2022 report that the company increased Fairmined gold purchases by 27%, from approximately 470 grams to 600 grams, through their work with Pure Earth and the Alliance for Responsible Mining.
