Mercury use in Mali: Case study of "orpailleurs" (miners)
In Mali, the most common human exposure to mercury is through artisanal gold mining. Fondation pour le Développement au Sahel (FDS) / Sahel Development Foundation conducted a case study examining traditional gold mining in Kangaba Cercle. Through site visits, outreach and surveys with local authorities, miners, civil organizations, and ministries of the federal government, FDS was able to strengthen the awareness of many stakeholders, including local authorities and policy makers, about the dangers of mercury and the need to eliminate its use.