Ensuring of environmental safety in the reclamation of anthropogenic placer gold deposits in the North of Khabarovsk Krai

The results of studying mercury pollution of ecosystem in the zone affected by anthropogenic placer gold deposits are given. A major hazard to the environment and human health results from minerals processing wastes polluted with mercury and dumped in the placer gold-concentrating sites (PGCS) near mining villages, which have transformed into unequipped authorized landfills. The recent tendency to their reclamation should favor extensive mercury pollution. Actions have been proposed to ensure environmental safety of mineral processing wastes and reclamation of anthropogenic placer gold deposits.