Revisão Bibliográfica Sobre as Tecnologias Alternativas ao Mercúrio no Beneficiamento do Ouro

Abstract

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is an activity present in more than 80 countries, involving approximately 15 million miners and sustaining millions of people. This sector is widely recognized as one of the major global emitters of mercury. The Minamata Convention on Mercury aims to reduce and, whenever possible, eliminate the use of mercury in ASGM. However, the total amount of mercury used in ASGM worldwide remains uncertain. Therefore, this literature review aims to identify alternative technologies to mercury in gold extraction that have been developed and are being developed worldwide. In addition to discussing technologies with the potential to support the progressive elimination of mercury use in ASGM while improving gold recovery, the paper also provides an overview of the main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The methodology involved using the "Scopus" database with a 10-year publication filter. In the end, 50 articles were selected, resulting in the identification and classification of technologies into four metallurgical areas: Hydrometallurgy, Physical Metallurgy, Biometallurgy, and Pyrometallurgy. The conclusion drawn is that, despite all efforts in developing new alternative technologies (with a significant number already in existence), the application of the majority has been predominantly unsuccessful, especially on a small commercial scale, due to the need for greater financial investment. Additionally, other barriers hinder a satisfactory transition. However, many technologies show promise, as there is a continuous need to promote and develop mercury-free alternatives.