Artisanal gold mining in Nicaragua and the technology mercury retort

Emissions of mercury is a global problem and the sector artisanal and small scale gold mining is the major mercury emission source. This study has been made within the artisanal gold mining in Santo Domingo, Nicaragua. The focus has been on the burning process in the artisanal gold extraction. The recommendation from United Nation Environmental Program, to introduce mercury capturing devices to reduce the emissions, has been evaluated. The mercury retort enclose the mercury vapors and the vapors condensate and the mercury can be reused. It is a low-tech device that fits the existing conditions in Chontales. This study has been assessing the potential to make the artisanal gold mining less polluting and damaging to health and evaluating the willingness of the artisanal gold miners in Chontales, Nicaragua to adopt the technology mercury retort.