In many developing countries where ASGM is dominated, there is very little to no mercury research conducted. Due to the fact that ASGM activities occur in very remote and rural mining communities, research on Mercury either its import into countries, usage, storage, disposal, content in the environment or in humans.
Indepth Mercury research, data collection and analysis are very vital to inform Governments appropriately to make sound decisions in addressing Mercury issues associated with the ASGM sector including other sectors in their countries. There has to be information on how much mercury is imported into countries, whether it is done illegally or legally, whether or not, those trading mercury are permitted to do so, data on, point of distribution and client information are critical to know how mercuryis traded in a country.
Governments also need to understand the negative effects of Mercury on their citizens to make drastic decisions to address mercury issues, in this case, the health effects of mercury on miners adjacent mining communities.
Many rural mining communities are exposed to mercury and may develop complications due to direct exposure to Mercury however, local medical and clinical staff lack the knowledge of illnesses and diseases associated with Mercury hence, they resort to common treatments.
Mercury has also been disposed into the environment, particularly water bodies for many decades and centuries and it is important to know how much mercury is contained in these environments. Unfortunately, many rural mining communities continue to use these water bodies for domestic purposes and consumption. These however can be addressed if research is conducted and information made available to Governments to make committment at National and local levels to holistically address mercury issues.
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