The Mercury-Gold Relationship: Mercury Use in Small-Scale
There are several ways that mercury is utilized by artisanal small-scale miners (ASGM). It may be mixed with concentrated ore through panning or added to sluices, ball mills or trommels in a process known as whole-ore amalgamation. The resulting amalgam of mercury/gold is called a prill, and it is roasted with a torch or over an open fire.