Published 1 day ago • loading... • Updated 5 hours ago

Mercury fuels gold mining in Senegal. And it’s poisoning the people who use it

Mercury remains the main method for extracting gold in Senegal's informal mining sector, exposing many to toxic risks.
This practice continues because artisanal mining is largely illegal, unregulated, and driven by economic needs despite health threats.
A 2018 Duke University study found mercury levels in southeastern Senegal exceeded WHO and EPA safety thresholds by 10 to 100 times.
Artisanal mining activities in Senegal contribute between 12 and 16 metric tons of mercury emissions annually, with gold processors earning $370 to $745 per month—more than twice the country's average income.
Despite Senegal ratifying the Minamata Convention and promising mercury-free units, enforcement remains weak and community-based processing is needed to reduce health risks.

Insights by Ground AI

Does this summary seem wrong?

18 Articles

All

Left

Center

Right

Associated Press News

+12 Reposted by 12 other sources

Lean Left

Mercury fuels gold mining in Senegal. And it’s poisoning the people who use it

In Senegal’s gold-rich Kedougou region, women and children face serious health risks from mercury exposure used in gold processing.

14 hours ago·United States

Read Full Article

abc News

Lean Left

Mercury fuels gold mining in Senegal, it’s poisoning the people who use it

In Senegal’s gold-rich Kedougou region, women and children face serious health risks from mercury exposure used in gold processing

14 hours ago·United States

Read Full Article

senenews.com

Public service competition in Senegal: Exclusive survey of a system undermined by injustice

Every year, it is the same scenario: endless lines of young people, dossiers in hand, hoping to take up a position in the public service. Behind this rush towards stability, a national dream nourished by the promise of a respectable career and a secure salary. But an exclusive investigation by SeneNews reveals a less glaring reality: corruption, favouritism, geographical barriers and digital divide weaken equality of opportunity. In the behind-t…

5 hours ago

Read Full Article

Advertising - The News And Times - Advertising - The News And Times - advertising-newsandtimes.com |

Mercury fuels gold mining in Senegal. And it’s poisoning the people who use it – Advertising and Donations – advertising-newsandtimes.com

Mercury fuels gold mining in Senegal. And it’s poisoning the people who use it [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now

14 hours ago

Read Full Article

SenCaféActu

Global meeting of accounting expertise: Senegal to host ACOA 2027

After Kigali, which brilliantly organized the 8th edition of the Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA) from 6 to 9 May 2025, the torch was symbolically transmitted to Senegal, designated host country of the 9th edition scheduled for 2027. The announcement was made at the closing ceremony, in the presence of 2,500 delegates from [...]

1 day ago

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year