The overarching goal of this handbook is to establish a common knowledge base on the impacts of mercury use in the artisanal mining sector on human health and the environment among all the stakeholders involved in or connected with artisanal gold mining. These include health professionals (e.g., public health, occupational health and safety and environmental officers, community nurses and doctors), local and national government officials, mining associations, managers, miners, and their communities, and other stakeholders along the artisanal gold supply chain from traders to refiners and jewellers. Understanding the implications of mercury use, environmental contamination and human health effects among these stakeholders is essential in finding common ground and developing collaborative solutions that make the artisanal mining sector mercury-free, more sustainable, and benefit everyone involved.
