The mercury supply chain, stakeholders and their responsibilities in the quest for mercury-free gold

For many years, the use of mercury in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining has afforded an income for many persons without better options, but has brought with it extensive harm to the environment, the miners and their communities. Technical and financial assistance have focused on raising awareness of the affected mining communities and encouraging the transition to mercury-free techniques. However, relatively little research has examined the roles of the stakeholders in the mercury supply chain, and their ability to influence the mercury-free transition. This paper analyzes the stakeholders and their diverse roles with regard to the trade and supply of mercury for Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining. The paper applies a supply chain management approach to stakeholder theory. This is done through an extensive literature review, a qualitative content analysis, an online survey and the development of supply chain diagrams that were validated by experts in the field. By providing a comprehensive picture of the stakeholders and their roles, this paper helps governments, inter- and non-governmental organizations and others to better understand stakeholders and their interactions with the mercury supply chain at multiple levels, permitting the development of appropriate policies within the context of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the preparation of better adapted National Action Plans.