UNEP Projects
Capacity building in Indonesia
UNEP is working with the Government of Indonesia and with NGOs to reduce mercury use in ASGM and provide guidance development of an ASGM National Action Plan. Read more
World Environment Day 2013 in Mongolia: Healthier solutions for gold miners
The 2013 UNEP Global Mercury Assessment found that small-scale gold mining accounts for 35 per cent of mercury emitted into the air and directly threatens the health of an estimated 15 million miners in 70 countries-mainly in Africa, Asia and South America.
planetGOLD
The planetGOLD programme is a 45 million USD UNEP-led GEF-funded effort to assist nice countries reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale mining. The Global Mercury Partnership ASGM area plays an important role in global outreach, communication, and knowledge management for planetGOLD. Read more
Guidance on ASGM National Action Plans
Information and Resources for countries required to develop and implement an ASGM National Action Plan under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Read more
Inventory of ASGM projects
Results of the 2015 and 2010 ASGM surveys summarizing projects undertaken by the partners, featuring an interactive map.
ASGM Project Library
You will find below 2-page summaries of a selection of projects by partners.
Brazil, Tapajós River Basin, Itaituba: A comprehensive training program produces measurable results in critical areas of health and environmental protection
A three-prong initiative to reduce mercury emissions by introducing simple technologies, education campaigns, and environmental awareness. The plan involved capacity building and preparation of a team of trainers. Read more | Spanish version
Colombia, La Segovia: Researchers and educators collaborate to promote mining techniques that improve gold recovery, reduce emissions of mercury, and promote human health
UNIDO demonstrated that by optimizing milling (which liberates gold from the ore) and then using sluices, centrifuges, or shaker tables to concentrate the gold, miners could greatly reduce the amount of mass of ore to which mercury must be applied (and thereby greatly reduce the amount of mercury used). Read more | Spanish version
Ecuador, Puyango-Tumbes: Implementación de medidas integrales para el uso de mercurio en la extracción artesanal de oro
La Organización para el Desarrollo Industrial de las Naciones Unidas (ONUDI), será responsable de la supervisión general y la evaluación del proyecto, así como de informar sobre el progreso al contribuyente. Spanish version
The Gold Shop Mercury Capture System (MCS): a Simple Technology for Healthier Local and Global Communities
By capturing vaporized mercury in small-scale gold shops, the MCS could prevent the release of hundreds of metric tons of the neurotoxin annually. Read more | Spanish version
Cleangold Magnetic Sluice Technology
Cleangold’s technologies demonstrate how mercury-free alternatives can be applied to many different mining settings to extract gold as efficiently as possible. Read more
Development of Mercury-free and waste management processes
A coalition of government officials, processing center owners, engineering experts, and foreign investors develop mercury-free and waste management processes. Read more | Spanish version
In a remote area of northern Peru, artisanal miners learn mining theory and practice
A total of 46 miners from Piura, Peru were trained at a demonstration plant in Portovelo, Ecuador. Read more | Spanish version
Pilot mercury-free processing system and training center
Providing a comprehensive model to reduce the environmental and health impacts of the ASGM sector. Read more
Mine expansion project undertaken in Cote d'Ivoire in 2012
ASGM has emerged in recent years to become a dominant livelihood in an Ivoirian town, leading to significant levels of growth in the population and economy. This study provides a brief historical overview of ASGM activities in the region, details governance structures and supply chains, and begins to assess the economic impact of an industrial mine expansion on the local economy. Read more
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining in and around protected areas and critical ecosystems
Undertaken in Sierra Leone, 2011, The study describes reasons for, and the challenges with, illegal ASM and provides recommendations that can help GRNP’s management to resolve unsustainable practices. Read more
ASM Baseline Report and Management Plan for ASM/LSM Interactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2010
The study investigates the complex ASGM/LSM interactions on a mining concession in the DRC. The study found that development of an industrial mining project will face a high degree of uncertainty, lack of information, potential conflict triggers, and many vested economic and political interests related to existing and historical ASGM activity. Read more
Bantoxics Phillipines Project: Conversion from Whole Ore Amalgamation to Hg-free Gold Mining
This project oversaw the close-knit tribal region in the Ga’ang mining area in the Kalinga province, Philippines, convert from whole ore amalgamation to Hg-free gold mining. Read more
Mercury-free Processing Plant in Mongolia
A pilot plant clearly demonstrating the economic, health, and environmental benefits of Hg-free technologies leads to widespread adoption and investment by the Mongolian government, private investors, and even the miners. Read more
