MutConsult had the pleasure of presenting at the World Bank’s African Regional Meeting on Mercury Pollution in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, hosted by the Environmental Health and Pollution Management Program (AEHPMP). This significant gathering brought together experts and stakeholders from across Africa to address the challenges posed by mercury pollution in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector and explore solutions for sustainable e-waste management. The event featured diverse sessions covering the latest technological advancements and policy initiatives aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting the circular economy.
Introducing the Mercury-Free Technology Atlas
MutConsult provided a detailed presentation on the Mercury-Free Technology Atlas, a cutting-edge digital repository designed to provide accessible, actionable data on mercury-free gold mining and processing technologies. Developed by a research team from the University of Witwatersrand’s School of Mining Engineering, in collaboration with MutConsult and Senca Research, the Atlas offers a comprehensive database of established and emerging technologies, including gravity concentration techniques, biological leaching, and chemical leaching with non-toxic reagents.
The Atlas was designed to assist ASGM stakeholders in making informed, data-driven decisions on mercury-free technologies suitable for their specific mining contexts. During the presentation, the various mercury-free methods were explored, such as Gold Kacha, Cleangold, and iGoli, highlighting their adaptability to different mining conditions. The open-source nature of the Atlas allows users to contribute data and share their experiences, promoting a collaborative, global effort to reduce mercury use in ASGM.
The Power of Open Source
The Mercury-Free Technology Atlas exemplifies the transformative power of open-source collaboration. By making data on mercury-free mining technologies freely accessible to stakeholders around the world, the Atlas fosters a global community of knowledge-sharing and innovation. This open-source platform enables users to contribute their insights and experiences, continuously improving the quality and relevance of the data. The collaborative nature of the Atlas empowers artisanal and small-scale gold miners, researchers, and policymakers to make informed, data-driven decisions tailored to local mining contexts. Ultimately, open-source approaches like this not only democratize access to critical tools but also accelerate the global transition to sustainable, mercury-free mining practices.
Engagement and Global Efforts to Eliminate Mercury
The AEHPMP meeting offered a robust platform for discussions around the global efforts to eliminate mercury pollution, with contributions from leading international organizations, governments, and the private sector. During Day 1, the sessions provided an overview of the environmental and health impacts of mercury pollution and discussed the necessary policy frameworks to combat illegal mercury trade and strengthen ASGM formalization.
The World Bank played a central role in framing the challenges and highlighting the need for a regional approach to addressing mercury pollution. The discussions emphasized sustainable financing options, which could enable the widespread adoption of mercury-free technologies across the sector. This was followed by an in-depth session on the health impacts of mercury, presented by a public health and environmental health specialist, outlining the crucial need to raise awareness about the risks associated with mercury exposure.
A particular focus was placed on building responsible supply chains and engaging the private sector to promote mercury-free value chains in gold mining. Presentations from organizations like the Swiss Better Gold Association and the OECD further explored how private sector engagement can drive systemic change by investing in innovative solutions.
Circular Economy and E-Waste Management
Throughout the event, there was a significant emphasis on circular economy principles, not just within ASGM but also in the broader context of e-waste management. Ghana, which has been at the forefront of e-waste management strategies in Africa, shared insights into their E-waste Strategy and policy dialogue, providing a framework that could be replicated in other regions.
A standout session focused on developing a global model of the circular economy, with examples from countries like Nigeria. The discussions on e-waste management were complemented by a series of roundtable discussions that allowed representatives from different countries to share their experiences and successes in managing e-waste.
Networking and Key Takeaways
The event facilitated a rich exchange of ideas among professionals working on mercury removal and circular economy solutions. The engagement extended beyond formal presentations, with opportunities for networking that led to the formation of new partnerships and collaborations. The shared commitment to reducing mercury pollution and promoting sustainable mining practices was evident throughout the conference.
The Mercury-Free Technology Atlas was well-received, with many participants expressing interest in how its tools could help reduce mercury use and increase gold yields in their specific mining environments. The event also underscored the need for innovative financing mechanisms to support mercury-free transitions, with discussions on potential public-private partnerships and microfinance solutions tailored to the ASGM sector.
Looking Forward
The AEHPMP Regional Meeting in Ghana underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address the pressing environmental challenges posed by mercury pollution in ASGM and improper e-waste management. With the continued development of tools like the Mercury-Free Technology Atlas and the involvement of international organizations, the private sector, and local governments, there is great potential to create lasting, positive change.
By fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation, the sector can transition toward safer, more responsible practices that not only reduce mercury use but also enhance the economic viability of ASGM communities. The meeting in Ghana marked an important step forward in this journey, setting the stage for future initiatives and collaborations aimed at eliminating mercury from gold mining and advancing the circular economy.
For more information about the Mercury-Free Technology Atlas and how it can contribute to mercury-free gold mining, visit mercuryfreetechnology.org. Together, we can #MakeMercuryHistory.
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