Policy challenges on mercury use in Ghana's artisanal and small-scale mining sector. (17th May 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyame, Frank K.
• Is Part Of: International journal of environment and pollution. Volume 41:Number 3/4(2010)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2010-05-17
• Subjects: Ghana -- mercury -- small-scale mining -- gold mining -- artisanal mining -- policy solutions -- environment -- environmental pollution -- human health -- health risks; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 363.73
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-4352

Abstract

Mercury use in Ghana's Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector is a growing problem owing to the increasing numbers of people involved, locations of operation, extent of possible contamination of the natural environment and its impact on human health. For over two decades, many local and internationally-coordinated initiatives undertaken to mitigate its harmful effects in ASM communities have been mostly unsuccessful due to absence of alternative options acceptable for gold recovery and inadequate awareness of the short- and long-term health effects of mercury use. This paper examines major policy challenges in minimising mercury use in Ghana's ASM sector, arguing that a coordinated, integrated and sustained approach offers better promise in tackling the problem.