Artisanal gold miners in Zimbabwe continue mercury use, defying Minamata treaty commitments and contaminating water sources

Zimbabwe's artisanal gold miners openly use mercury despite the country's commitment to the Minamata Convention, contaminating water sources. Mercury is readily available and sold discreetly in mining areas, with miners citing it as their only means of survival due to high gold prices. The government acknowledges challenges in regulating mercury use, particularly in the artisanal sector, where an estimated 50 tonnes are used annually.