LUSAKA - A new study has warned that thousands of artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Zambia are exposing themselves, their families and the environment to dangerous levels of mercury, a toxic chemical commonly used to extract gold from ore.
The findings are contained in the Contextual Study Report on Zambia's Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector, produced under the planetGOLD Zambia Project and launched in Lusaka by Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta.
According to the report, miners use an average of 2.56 grammes of mercury for every tonne of gold ore processed. Rufunsa and Lusangazi districts recorded the highest mercury usage, with all gold processing in the two districts still relying on the hazardous chemical.
The study notes that while men are primarily involved in mixing mercury during gold processing, women and children are also exposed because the chemical contaminates rivers and streams used by surrounding communities for cooking, washing and other domestic purposes.
Researchers warned that prolonged exposure to mercury poses serious health risks and can cause long-term environmental damage if its use is not reduced.
The report found that many small-scale miners continue using mercury because it remains the cheapest and most accessible method of extracting gold, while safer alternatives are often beyond their financial reach.
Beyond mercury use, the study highlighted poor occupational safety standards across the sector. It found that 73.5 percent of miners work without protective clothing, exposing them to hazardous chemicals, dust and workplace injuries.
The report also revealed that 93.3 percent of mining sites have no land restoration plans, while nearly one-third of sites dispose of mining waste directly into nearby rivers and streams, raising further environmental concerns.
Researchers have recommended that Zambia phase out mercury use in artisanal gold mining by 2027 and support miners in adopting safer extraction technologies.
The study also calls for increased education on the health risks associated with mercury and greater investment in modern mining equipment that eliminates the need for toxic chemicals.
The planetGOLD Zambia Project is a five-year initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to reduce mercury use and promote safer, more sustainable artisanal and small-scale gold mining practices in Zambia.
Source: Kalemba
by: George Musonda