Historically, artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in Ghana have relied on the technique of amalgamation, a simple but effective method for purifying gold from crushed ore and ore concentrates using mercury. In recent years, a noticeable trend has emerged among some processors, especially those dealing with amalgam residues, jewellery scrap, and low-quality concentrates, to use acid-based refining methods, such as variations of aqua regia (a solution composed of nitric and hydrochloric acids). In this article, the researchers examine this transition in the theme of an artisanal refining sequence through field photographs. It provides an overview of the traditional amalgamation-and-torching process, the well-documented health and environmental impacts of mercury use, how acid-based alternatives work and why they are attractive, a comparative technical analysis of the two pathways, the policy architecture underpinning the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and socio-economic and cultural considerations influencing the selection of technologies at a local level. The study revealed that both methods informally practiced are not risk free and makes recommendations based on formalisation, technical training and access to safer mercury-free technologies.