The Use of Mercury in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining - How We Can Play a Role in Creating Solutions

Posted by Sasha Kebo on
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Here’s a free event taking place in Ottawa.

 

Thanks,

 

Sasha Kebo, MES

Project Manager-GIS | Directeur de Projet-SIG

Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone][hidden email]

 

You're invited! Save the Date - Monday, February 8, 2010 for An Evening Forum on The Use of Mercury in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

 

Please join Pollution Probe for an evening forum to learn about the global challenge of reducing mercury use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in developing countries.  Come and learn how Canadians can contribute to developing solutions. 

 

We look forward to a lively discussion with our panel of experts from the United Nations Environment Programme, the Natural Resources Defence Council and the Artisanal Gold Council.

 

Event Details:

Monday, February 8, 2010

7:00-9:00 pm (refreshments at 6:30 p.m.)

Crowne Plaza Ottawa, Richelieu Room

101 Lyon Street

Ottawa, Ontario

 

No admission fee. Registration is not necessary.

 

For more information, contact Julie Sommerfreund at

[hidden email] or 416-926-1907 x234

 

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The Use of Mercury in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining - How We Can Play a Role in Creating Solutions

 

Mercury is a highly toxic pollutant that can damage the brain and nervous system. Around the

world, mercury levels in fish have risen to the point of being unsafe for those who rely on fish

as a regular part of their diet. Mercury accumulates in fish through the release of mercury to

the environment from human activities. Once released, mercury can pollute the local

environment and travel long distances polluting the world’s lakes and streams.

 

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in developing countries, is the largest remaining

intentional use of mercury on the planet. Unlike other industrial uses, most, if not all of the

mercury used in ASGM escapes into the environment. As a result, ASGM is second only to

burning coal for electricity as the largest source of global mercury releases to the atmosphere.

Reducing or eliminating the use of mercury in ASGM presents a considerable challenge to

governments for two reasons. Firstly, as many as 20 million people in more than 70 countries

(such as Indonesia, Brazil and Columbia) engage in ASGM as a way to attempt to escape

poverty. Secondly, mercury is cheap, accessible and allows ASGM miners to yield gold rapidly.

This enables miners to work independently, improving their ability to gain rapid access to this

new source of wealth.

 

Solutions will require innovation, investment and the support of many partners, including

mining communities in developing countries, governments in both developing and developed

countries, environmental non-governmental organisations, development organisations, aid

organisations, and dedicated individuals.

 

Please join us on Monday, February 8, 2010 as our panel of experts present the challenges we

face in addressing ASGM and how we can all make a difference. We look forward to a lively

discussion!