Overview
Go to the overview page for an illustration of the overall steps in the production of gold using mercury. For each step, this page provides links illustrating the options available, including both recommended options and options to be avoided.
Case Studies
Case studies are included in this website to illustrate the introduction of safe practices in the production of gold using mercury amalgamation. Included are case studies of a training program for small scale miners in Senegal and the demonstration of an emission control technology for gold shops in Brazil.
Gold Production with Approaches Not Requiring Mercury
Small mining operations are moving toward approaches such as those based on use of cyanide, that do not require use of mercury. These approaches have the potential for higher efficiency in collecting gold in the ore. Large mining operations have considerable experiece with these approaches. more...
Treatment Technologies for Mercury in Soil, Waste, and Water
This US EPA report contains information on the availability, performance, and cost of eight technologies for the treatment of mercury in soil, waste, and water. Download Report | US EPA Mercury Site
|
ALWAYS REMEMBER
USE MERCURY CAREFULLY
|
 |
Do not use whole ore amalgamation
|
| |
|
 |
Do not handle amalgam without gloves
|
|
| |
|
 |
Avoid breathing mercury by using retorts to burn amalgam
|
| |
|
 |
Burn amalgam outside using retorts away from women and children
|
| |
|
 |
Protect rivers and lakes from amalgamated ores
|
| |
|
|
