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Mercury and CO₂ emissions from artisanal gold mining in Brazilian Amazon rainforest

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Mercury and CO₂ emissions from artisanal gold mining in Brazilian Amazon rainforest

B. Fritz, B. Peregovich, et al.

This study reveals alarming insights into mercury use and its environmental impact in artisanal gold mining across 47 sites in Brazil's Tapajós River basin. Conducted by Benjamin Fritz and his team, the research shows a staggering 1.7 kg of mercury used for each kilogram of gold extracted, raising significant concerns about climate change contributions.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigates mercury and energy use at 47 artisanal gold mining (ASGM) sites in the Tapajós River basin, Brazil. It finds that 1.7 kg of mercury is used per kg of gold extracted, with only 0.19 kg released into the environment when retorts are used. This results in an annual release of at least 2.5 tonnes of mercury. ASGM also contributes significantly to climate change, releasing about 16,000 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of gold.
Publisher
Nature Sustainability
Published On
Jan 01, 2024
Authors
Benjamin Fritz, Bernhard Peregovich, Lorena da Silva Tenório, Adria Cristina da Silva Alves, Mario Schmidt
Tags
mercury
artisanal gold mining
environmental impact
Tapajós River
climate change
energy use
gold extraction

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