Small-scale gold mining, the environment and human health: an introduction to the Ghana case

This paper introduces a special issue on "Small-scale gold mining, mercury, the environment and human health: perspectives on rural Ghana". The papers presented provide a range of perspectives on the mercury pollution problem in Ghana's small-scale gold-mining sector and reflect on the progress made to date towards resolving it. The aim, in providing fresh insight on the Ghana case, is to stimulate further work in this area, both in the country and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: mercury, gold mining, Ghana, small scale mining, artisanal mining, human health, enviornment, environmental pollution, health risks