Up to 20% of the world’s gold comes from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) which is responsible for the release of an estimated 1,000 tons of mercury annually, representing about 30% of the world’s anthropogenic mercury releases, contaminating water and seafood. Exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Mercury is particularly dangerous to young children, babies in utero, and pregnant women.

Because ASGM is a critical livelihood for millions living in poverty with limited economic opportunities, Pure Earth works with miners to transition them to safer practices that eliminate mercury, protecting people and the environment. Our comprehensive programs: • Educate communities about the health risks from mercury; • Teach miners mercury-free gold mining methods; • Remediate mercury-poisoned sites; • Train miners in reforestation methodologies and measure mercury emissions in the air and test soil and water.