Efforts to eliminate mercury in small-scale gold mining, known as artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), are hindered by economic reliance and lack of proven alternatives. Mercury-free gold mining is critical, as despite global agreements like the Minamata Convention, mercury use persists, accounting for nearly 40% of mercury pollution worldwide.
Duke professors William Pan and Alex Pfaff are spearheading a new approach to tackle this issue by focusing on evidence-based solutions. Their initiative includes webinars that gather experts, miners, policymakers, and nonprofits to share strategies for mercury-free mining and evaluate their effectiveness.
“We need to stop investing in ideas that sound good but lack proven success,” says Pfaff. Collaborating with organisations like the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, the team aims to build a robust database of research on mercury contamination and its alternatives.
With over 20 million people dependent on ASGM for livelihood, the challenge is complex. Stakeholders like Pure Earth’s Alfonso Rodriguez emphasise the need for sustainable, scalable solutions that provide miners with viable economic incentives to abandon mercury use.
Pan and Pfaff also stress the importance of addressing the broader health impacts of mining. Mercury already in the environment continues to harm ecosystems and human health. “Even if mercury use stops today, its effects linger,” warns Pan.
The Duke initiative seeks to spark global collaboration and data-driven policymaking to reduce mercury use while addressing the health and environmental costs of gold mining.
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