Mercury, is a unique metal that exists in liquid form at room temperature. It is the only metal which can flow as a liquid at ambient temperature conditions. Its use in small scale mining operations is on the rise. However, there are associated risks to human health and the environment. These risks include effects on the nervous systems of young children.

Historically, mercury has been proven to be toxic since the days of the Minamata Disaster in Minamata, Japan in the year 1956. The disaster was characterised by the Minamata disease consisting of damage to nervous systems, muscle weakness, loss of vision, paralysis and effects on foetuses in gestation.

Fast-forward to Zimbabwe’s small scale mining sector, there is a casual use of mercury amongst miners, insecure transportation and disposal in water bodies. Mercury kills if it is not properly handled. It is highly likely that some miners are being exposed to highly toxic levels of mercury in mining communities. Awareness is necessary and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be a pre-requisite.

Not only should society be worried about mercury in mining sector, but also in dental fillings when they are burnt during cremation of human bodies. Some selected skin lightening creams, pulp and paper industry and coal fired plants are considered as sources of mercury emissions. Stakeholders in such sectors should increase their level of monitoring to detect any traces of mercury in their processes, activities and products.

Global attention on mercury has resulted in the promulgation of the Minamata Convention which was signed in 2013 and became effective in the year 2017. It aims to protect human health and the environment from the anthropogenic releases of mercury and mercury products.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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