The report, prepared by the Alianza Minera de América Latina (ALMA), identifies Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia among the documented destinations for mercury transported from Mexico to illegal gold mining operations across Latin America. The findings are based on an investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).
The proposal suggests controlling the supply chain before the input reaches mining operations. Recommended measures include a regional registry for the production, commercialization, and transit of mercury; automated customs information sharing between origin, transit, and destination countries; standardized inspection protocols; and independent verification of declared closures of mercury mines.
The report also highlights the need to strengthen the review of customs declarations used to conceal mercury shipments, including those mislabeled as construction materials or decorative stone.
Covering 13 countries in Latin America, the diagnostic calls for establishing common standards and methodologies to improve data comparison, cross-border flow identification, and the assessment of control measures.
Traceability, transparency, and regional cooperation are identified as key tools to strengthen the mineral supply chain and foster responsible, formal mining practices.
