KEDOUGOU, Senegal - In the gold-rich region of Kedougou, southeastern Senegal, the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining is exposing local communities, particularly women and children, to severe health risks [1][2][3][4][5]. As of May 13, 2025, this practice remains widespread across West Africa's booming informal mining sector, much of which operates illegally and without regulation [1][2].

Sadio Camara, a local gold processor, demonstrates the common technique: "The quickest way to separate gold from rock is with a drop of mercury," she explains, emptying a small packet of the silvery liquid into a bucket of muddy sediment [1][2][3][4][5]. Camara, like many others in the region, processes gold without protective equipment, often in the presence of children [1][2][3][4][5].

Despite awareness of some risks, misconceptions persist. "I know mercury isn't good for your health - that's why I don't drink the water it comes into contact with," Camara states, adding, "I only process small amounts of gold, so there's no danger" [1][2][3][4][5]. However, experts warn that even small-scale exposure can lead to serious health consequences [1][2][3][4][5].

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, tremors, and loss of vision, hearing, and coordination [1][4][5]. The risks are particularly high for pregnant women and young children, as mercury can severely impact fetal and child development [1].

The situation in Kedougou reflects a broader challenge across West Africa, where mercury remains the dominant method for extracting gold in the informal mining sector [1][2][3][4][5]. This practice not only endangers the health of miners and their families but also poses environmental risks through contamination of water sources and soil [1].

As Senegal and other West African nations grapple with the economic benefits and health hazards of artisanal gold mining, the need for safer alternatives and stricter regulations becomes increasingly apparent. The ongoing use of mercury in gold processing highlights the complex interplay between economic necessity and public health in the region's mining communities.