By Chipo Gudhe

Abandon mercury in gold processing: EMA
By Chipo Gudhe
Environmental watchdog, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has passionately appealed to mining communities around Kwekwe, urging them to stop using mercury in gold processing.
EMA Kwekwe District Environmental Officer Daniel Magombedze speaking at a public discussion coordinated by this publication in Ward 33, Sherwood, Kwekwe emphasized the far-reaching negative effects of this heavy metal on human health and the environment, despite being invisible to the naked eye.

Magombedze cited the Minamata Convention—an international treaty adopted by governments worldwide to highlight the global commitment to eliminate the use of mercury once its dangers were fully realized.
“The Minamata Convention, named after the Japanese city affected by mercury poisoning in the 1950s, sought to protect human health from the devastating impacts of mercury exposure. The mercury, you commonly use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), poses severe health risks. It can lead to long-term neurological damage, affecting concentration, memory, and coordination,” he said.
Magombedze asserted that miners and communities should not overlook the dangers associated with the use of mercury, as it can have dire consequences for their well-being and the environment.
The environmental impact of using mercury in gold processing cannot be underestimated. When mercury is released into the air, water, or soil, it can contaminate ecosystems and persist in the environment for years. These toxic substances make their way into the food chain, accumulating in fish and other wildlife, posing a threat to both animal and human populations,” he said.
Magombedze said that alternatives to mercury exist and should be adopted by mining communities.
Speaking in the same vein on a different platform, Young Miners Foundation Chief of Operations Tafadzwa Chiramba called upon the government, mining associations and industry leaders to prioritize the health and well-being of miners and the environment.
“The protection of the environment and miners’ health needs a holistic approach. By embracing safer and greener alternatives, the harmful effects associated with the use of mercury in gold processing can be significantly reduced, preserving both human health and the delicate balance of our ecosystems,” he said.
Sherwood village head, Nomatter Mazoyo said government and other stakeholders should invest more in supporting initiatives to eradicate the use of mercury in mining.

“More needs to be done so that our children in the communities can understand the consequences of using mercury. The continued use stems from a point of lack of knowledge of the harm they are causing. Through increased awareness and training like this one held by The Midlands Observer it is hoped that mining communities will make the necessary transition towards safer and more sustainable practices,” she said.