At least 1,000 tonnes of mercury is released into the atmosphere and millions of men, women and children worldwide are exposed to its toxic emissions due to gold production every year.
Links:
[1] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/180-mn-programme-reform-artisanal-gold-mining-cut-mercury-usage
[2] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/newspaper/business-standard-new-delhi
[3] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/gold
[4] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/mining
[5] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/undp
[6] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/legislation
[7] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/children