Key Points
- The project aims to reduce mercury use by 4.85 tonnes.
- It will support 7,500 miners in adopting mercury-free technologies.
- Formalization of artisanal gold mining is a key project focus.
In order to encourage a more responsible artisanal gold mining industry by lowering mercury usage across mine sites, the Zimbabwean government has launched a $23.7 million project. With funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implementation by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the planetGOLD Zimbabwe initiative seeks to address mercury pollution while enhancing the well-being and standard of living of mining communities.
Zimbabwe targets mercury reduction in artisanal gold mining
As stated by New Zimbabwe, the hazardous chemical mercury, which is used to extract gold, is extremely dangerous for both the environment and human health. More than 40% of Zimbabwe’s mineral exports come from artisanal gold mining, which employs over 300,000 people. Nevertheless, over 24 tons of mercury are released into the air, water, and land each year by 96% of these miners.
Over a five-year period, the initiative aims to reduce mercury emissions from small-scale and artisanal gold mining, which is the biggest source of anthropogenic mercury pollution worldwide, by 4.85 tons.
PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe to formalize mining and support safer practices
7,500 miners in 11 areas would receive direct assistance from the planetGOLD Zimbabwe initiative in implementing mercury-free technology. The effort aims to formalize the artisanal gold mining industry and increase access to financing in addition to lowering mercury consumption. The goal of these actions is to encourage ethical and traceable gold supply chains in Zimbabwe.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Edward Samuriwo gave the keynote address at the project’s launch in Harare, stressing the project’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2021.
Zimbabwe is carrying out its National Action Plan to end the use of mercury in artisanal mining as part of the Minamata Convention. To protect the health and safety of mining communities, the strategy calls for close cooperation amongst all parties involved, including supply chain participants and governmental organizations.
The future of the industry is bright, according to Yann Lebrat, IMPACT’s Deputy Executive Director: “Zimbabwe is moving towards more responsible artisanal gold mining with the launch of the planetGOLD project. We are eager to collaborate with all parties involved in order to bring about a long-lasting transformation in the industry.
