Due to its unique properties, mercury has long been used in products, industrial processes, and mining. It is also a potent toxin and environmental pollutant. The Nikitovka mercury mine, located in Gorlovka, Ukraine, produced over 30,000 tons of mercury before it closed in 1994. Mercury recycling activities continue on the former mine site. Previous studies indicate moderate to high levels of mercury near the site, as well as elevated concentrations of mercury in among some Gorlovka residents and workers. Local NGOs and media outlets have brought attention to this issue, but the scarcity of reliable data and absence of environmental monitoring make a credible assessment of environmental risk very difficult. This research project characterizes the environmental and health impacts of the mine and recycling facility, identifies gaps in knowledge and priorities for site assessment and risk mitigation, and investigates the economic and legal aspects of mine closure and recycling.
Kenneth J. Davis, of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was a 2011-2012 Embassy Policy Specialist (EPS) [7] fellow.
