Mercury Supply at Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mines in Africa: Actors, Distribution and Networks

Abstract

Through a regional case study of Ghana, this thesis explores the role mercury plays in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and broader agrarian livelihoods, in rural sub-Saharan Africa. In doing so, it seeks to introduce a fresh perspective to the debate on mercury in the region’s ASM sector, which has focused predominantly on the environmental and health-related impacts linked to its widespread usage. With ASM responsible for close to 40 percent of global anthropogenic emissions of mercury, donors and international NGOs have pushed to minimize – and where possible, eliminate altogether – its use. Findings reveal that mercury distribution and supply networks are firmly entrenched, populated by actors who are also embedded in the circuits linked to gold production at ASM sites. It is hoped that findings such as those reported here will help to stimulate a critical reflection on mercury management in the region’s ASM sector.