Monitoring mercury in and around artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites

This document highlights the importance of developing well designed, scientifically valid and clearly communicated mercury monitoring plans that can generate robust and reliable data. The data can be used to improve our understanding of the dynamic of mercury around artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites and be used to generate prediction scenarios. This technical background document provides insights on how to effectively engage with Indigenous Peoples and with local communities, inform policy makers to help protect human health and the environment, reduce the environmental damage and human impacts, and strengthen environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in areas where ASGM is prevalent.