Mercury reduction in Munhena, Mozambique: homemade solutions and the social context for change.
The health and environmental impacts of artisanal gold mining are of growing concern in Munhena, Mozambique, where more than 12,000 people are involved in such activities. Gold is extracted using mercury amalgamation, posing a considerable threat to human and environmental health. A pilot project ascertained the feasibility of reducing mercury use and emissions by promoting control measures utilizing local resources. Retorts were fabricated with local materials. Training workshops introduced the homemade retorts, and a portable mercury monitor revealed effective mercury reduction. Barriers to widespread technology adoption include poverty, lack of knowledge and trust, and the free supply of mercury from private gold buyers. Homemade retorts are inexpensive and effective, and miners could benefit by building community amalgamation centers. The government could play a greater role in gold purchasing to reduce mercury pollution.
Spiegel
Samuel J
SJ
United Nations Industrial Development Organization. samspiegel@gmail.com
Savornin
Olivier
O
Shoko
Dennis
D
Veiga
Marcello M
MM
D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006046:Gold; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008906:Mining; D009073:Mozambique; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011640:Public Policy; D012924:Social Conditions; D018581:Technology Transfer; D035502:Trust; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods
D007220:Industrial Waste; D006046:Gold