Our recent research, in collaboration with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Intergovernmental Forum on Mining (IGF), highlights the critical importance of managing tailings in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). ASGM is responsible for up to 20% of the world’s gold supply, employing over 20 million people globally, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, the sector is often marked by informal operations and inefficient processing techniques, leading to significant environmental and health challenges.

The Challenge of ASGM Tailings

ASGM operators commonly use hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide to extract gold. Improper disposal of tailings—residual materials left after gold extraction—leads to mercury pollution, water contamination, and adverse health effects, particularly in women and children. The lack of awareness and access to safe tailings management techniques has exacerbated these problems, creating long-term environmental and social impacts.

Our research identifies several critical areas where ASGM tailings management must improve:

1. Mercury Use and Pollution: ASGM remains the largest source of anthropogenic mercury emissions. The improper handling of mercury-laden tailings threatens ecosystems and human health, particularly in local mining communities.

2. Cyanide Use and Tailings Reprocessing: Cyanide leaching, a common method for reprocessing tailings, is often applied to mercury-contaminated tailings, amplifying toxic impacts. This “worst practice” poses severe environmental risks.

3. Lack of Formal Governance: In many countries, informal ASGM operations do not have the regulatory oversight needed to ensure safe disposal and management of tailings.

Opportunities for Sustainable Management

Despite these challenges, our research reveals significant opportunities to transform ASGM tailings management through reprocessing and governance improvements. By formalizing ASGM operations, enforcing proper waste management techniques, and incentivizing mercury-free gold recovery methods, it is possible to reduce the negative impacts of mining and ensure a more sustainable future for this vital sector.

Our recommendations include:

• Implementing mercury-free technologies in ASGM tailings reprocessing.

• Providing access to proper training and sensitization campaigns to help miners manage tailings more effectively.

• Establishing regulatory frameworks to monitor the safe disposal and sale of tailings, thereby promoting better environmental practices.

At MutConsult, we believe in harnessing these opportunities for responsible ASGM tailings management. With the right governance frameworks and strategic interventions, we can help ensure that ASGM contributes to economic growth while minimizing its environmental footprint.

For more insights into this research and our work in sustainable mining, visit the knowledge centre.