Abatement of mercury pollution in the small-scale gold mining industry: Restructuring the policy and research agendas

2006 ◽  
Vol 362 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Hilson
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mercury Pollution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Industry Restructuring ◽  
Research Agendas

scholarly journals Comparative Study In The Bibiani, Bolgatanga, Dunkwa And Tarkwa Mining Districts Of The Minerals Commission Of Ghana

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
George Lord Opoku-Antwi ◽  
Kwaku Amofah ◽  
Kofi Nyamaah-Koffuor
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Mining Districts

This paper aims to provide a comparative study on the Ghanaian small-scale gold mining industry in the Bibiani, Bolgatanga, Dunkwa and Tarkwa Districts of the Minerals Commission of Ghana. Variations in production, employment, number of licensed operators/concessions were the main focus of the paper. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to 1) test for the means of equality for the period 2005 to 2008 in order to find the column effect and 2) test for the means of equality between the mining districts (distance) to help find the column effect. It then looks at the structure-conduct-performance to explain the differences in the mining districts. The paper concludes that even though the small-scale mining sector in Ghana is beset with a number of challenges, it should be recognised as a significant generator of rural livelihoods that has the potential to alleviate poverty and be a tool for sustainable development. Assistance based on an integrated approach that considers operational, financial, organisational, social, economic, legal, technical and environmental issues should be offered to enhance small-scale gold mining operations in Ghana.

scholarly journals Mercury Contamination from Dental Amalgam

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Vazquez Tibau ◽  
Blanche D. Grube
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Mercury Pollution ◽  
Mercury Contamination ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The European Union

Background. Mercury in dental amalgam is a hidden source of global mercury pollution, resulting from the illegal diversion of dental mercury into the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector, to crematoria emissions from the deceased and sewage sludge that is sold to farmers. These significant mercury sources result in air, water, and food contamination that consequently have a negative impact on human health. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to investigate and report on all of the various pathways mercury in dental amalgam can enter the environment. Methods. The present study searched the electronic data bases of PubMed and Google Scholar. Peer reviewed journals and references of studies included for full-text review were examined for potentially relevant studies. Articles published between 2000 to 2018 were searched and specifically screened for articles that referenced “Dental Amalgam,” and the following key words in various combinations: “Minamata Convention on Mercury Treaty,” “Sewage Sludge,” “Cremation,” and “Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining.” Data were included on the most populous countries of China, India, the United States, Brazil, and the European Union collectively. We also included data on cremation statistics and current global trends, looking at populations where cremation is a common practice, such as Japan and India. Discussion. Dental amalgam represents a significant, but understudied area of global mercury pollution that includes cremation, sewage sludge, burial, and small-scale gold mining. Conclusions. Mercury used in products and processes, including dental amalgams, is a global pollutant. Even after the last mercury dental amalgam is placed, its toxic legacy will continue for decades, because of its pervasive bioaccumulation in the environment. Government regulatory agencies should make it mandatory to utilize available technologies, not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries, to reduce mercury contamination. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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