Small-scale mining in developing Asian economies has led to increased mercury pollution, posing new challenges to the fight against this toxic element. The gold rush in Asia has resulted in significant environmental impacts, particularly in terms of mercury pollution, which has lasting and harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Mercury is commonly used in small-scale mining operations to extract gold from the ore, but the improper handling and disposal of this toxic substance contribute to widespread pollution, affecting local communities and the broader environment.