The mandate for the development of this document comes from the Final Act of the Minamata Convention, which called on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC) to support the development of guidance to countries in preparing their NAPs.
read more... https://wedocs.unep.org/items/0b912b16-9369-4b5c-8e8f-40bc3cfc6ab5
However, challenges remain. Environmental risks and regulatory uncertainty continue to affect the artisanal small-scale mining sector, despite its growing contribution to output.
read more... https://www.zimining.co.zw/zimbabwe-moves-to-formalise-artisanal-mining-as-small-scale-miners-supply-68-of-gold/
Election coverage Ethiopia Residents told Addis Standard that individuals engaged in gold mining have been releasing chemicals used in the extraction process onto the ground and into water sources, contaminating habitats and water used by wildlife.
read more... https://allafrica.com/stories/202609180057.html
Record-breaking gold prices, driven largely by investor demand for safe assets amid rising global risks, have driven a renewed mining rush in the Amazon, spiking deforestation and mercury contamination of riverine and Indigenous communities.
Record-breaking gold prices, driven largely by investor demand for safe assets amid rising global risks, have driven a renewed mining rush in the Amazon, spiking deforestation and mercury contamination of riverine and Indigenous communities.
read more... https://apnews.com/article/brazil-amazon-indigenous-mining-environment-092ff4c014b5113007972b80df10b331
In 2022, the Nana-Bawumia Government saw the need to procure Mercury-free gold processing machines to maximize gold ore processing and reduce pollution of water bodies and physical environment. These machines were presented to small scale miners and those engaged in responsible community mining. This initiative is worthy of emulation and escalation to cover larger mining communities.
read more... https://www.modernghana.com/news/1527535/nana-bawumia-government-was-committed-to-fighting.html
Small-scale miners are known to use mercury to separate gold from ore and soil. If the highly toxic substance seeps into the ground or groundwater, it could contaminate drinking water sources and harm the agricultural and livestock environment for surrounding communities.
read more... https://mbiz.heraldcorp.com/article/10871504
"Under the Minamata Convention, we aim to be mercury-free by 2030, while under the Stockholm Convention, we must fully manage PCBs by 2028," Hendropriyono said in a statement on Saturday.
read more... https://en.antaranews.com/amp/news/431103/indonesia-targets-mercury-free-status-by-2030-pcb-management-by-2028
There are also increasing concerns about environmental pollution. During illegal mining, miners wash gold-laden soil and rocks in water, then separate the gold using mercury. Mercury is highly toxic and could contaminate soil and water sources if it is released into the environment.
read more... https://www.asiae.co.kr/en/article/world-general/2026091108171965636
Mercury pollution is emerging as a significant environmental and public health concern across Africa, prompting renewed calls for stronger research, monitoring and policy intervention.
read more... https://vut.ac.za/scientists-warn-of-growing-mercury-threat-as-africa-strengthens-monitoring-and-response/
Informal gold miners working around old mine dumps between Nyakallong and Allanridge in the Free State say they risk exposure to mine dust, mercury and other chemicals while trying to earn enough money to support their families.
read more... https://health-e.org.za/2026/09/09/informal-gold-miners-risk-their-health-to-put-food-on-the-table/
The ministries responsible for the environment, interior, and water and forests took part in the meeting, which came amid renewed concern over illegal mining. A recent increase in reports of illicit activity has revived questions over the effectiveness of measures already taken.
Ghana’s EPA and Water Commission report "galamsey" has polluted the Pra, Offin, and Ankobra with mercury and cyanide, forcing treatment plants to close. Health facilities report skin and neurological complaints in mining towns.
read more... https://www.modernghana.com/news/1525518/ecocide-africas-silent-crime.html
Other measures included alternative livelihood programmes, efforts towards mercury-free gold processing, satellite and drone monitoring, and reforms intended to strengthen oversight of small-scale mining.
Illegal miners use mercury because it binds to gold in crushed ore, while cyanide can extract remaining gold particles. Both chemicals are widely used, and both present extreme risk of death or long-term cognitive decline
In 2021, Urban Alert, a social and environmental justice group, launched a #SaveOsunRiver campaign and commissioned independent testing of the water, drawing samples from six locations along the river. The tests confirmed there were unsafe levels of lead, mercury and cyanide, which are especially dangerous to children and pregnant women.
“My concern is not so much for the cattle which is expiring, but more for the cattle which is exposed to lead, mercury and cyanide and then later consumed, unknowingly, by local families,” he said.
Polluted rivers, degraded lands, and affected indigenous communities are part of the crisis that illegal mining, mercury pollution, and illicit economies are causing in Guainía, according to Monsignor Joselito Carreño Quiñones, bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Inírida, in the far southeastern corner of Colombia.
Much of this trade bypasses official channels, fueling illegal mining networks overseas that use toxic mercury and cyanide. This smuggling contributes to global deforestation, river pollution, and hazardous labour conditions.
