planetGOLD Peru: Expedicion Mercurio

Mercury can travel long distances and expose people or contaminate areas further away from where the mercury was emitted or released. Because of this characteristic, it is necessary to be informed about the different routes mercury can take to prevent exposure. For this reason, in 2020 the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) through the GEF-funded project “Integrated Mercury Sound Management in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)” - planetGOLD Perú, and with the technical assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), developed the "Expedicion Mercurio" awareness campaign. The initiative seeks to inform and raise awareness among Peruvians about the impacts of mercury on health and the environment.

In 2024, the "Expedición Mercurio" story and drawing contest engaged students from mining regions in Puno, Piura, and Arequipa to creatively highlight the dangers of mercury use and promote responsible practices in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The initiative collected 122 submissions from various schools, showcasing the students' visions for responsible environmental stewardship. The stories and drawings creatively depicted the negative impacts of improper mercury use in their districts and the importance of creating local changes to make activities like small-scale and artisanal gold mining cleaner and more responsible.

In 2023, the awareness campaign prioritized face-to-face activities with youth from mining communities in the regions of Arequipa, Piura, and Puno. Students from public high schools took part in workshops and fairs using a pedagogical kit that was specially designed to deliver information about mercury and how to prevent its use in communities with ASGM activities. 

In previous years, through digital media, audiovisuals, radio, and text messages, artisanal and small-scale miners, public officials, populations in vulnerable situations, and citizens in general were invited to be informed about the dangers of mercury exposure, raise awareness, and take action to reduce its impact.

On the landing page of the website, visitors can take a learning tour that simulates a scientific expedition on the only liquid metal in its natural state: mercury. They can discover data that explains its use in products and industries, how much they can be exposed to, and what consequences it brings. Likewise, information is provided on how the Peruvian government and citizens contribute toward reducing and/or avoiding the use of this metal.