Elohopeamenetelmä

Elohopeamenetelmä, often translated as the mercury method, is a term that has been used historically to refer to a technique for producing gold. This method involves using mercury to amalgamate with gold particles, forming a gold-mercury alloy. The mercury is then heated, typically over a fire, causing it to evaporate and leaving behind the gold. This process was widely used in placer mining and is still employed in some artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations due to its simplicity and effectiveness in recovering fine gold particles.

However, the mercury method poses significant environmental and health risks. Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that can contaminate water sources, soil, and air. When mercury is released into the environment, it can bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing serious health threats to humans and wildlife. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can include neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental issues in children.

Due to these detrimental effects, many countries and international organizations are working to phase out the use of mercury in gold mining. Efforts focus on promoting and implementing mercury-free mining techniques and providing alternative livelihood opportunities for miners who rely on mercury. These alternatives often involve gravity-based methods, chemical processes that use less toxic substances, or improved sluicing techniques that can capture fine gold without mercury. The transition away from the mercury method is a crucial step towards protecting both human health and the environment.