Grapevine

Artisanal gold miners directed to use mercury-free technologies

The State minister for Mineral Development, Ms Phiona Nymutoro, has directed that all artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities in Uganda be upgraded to new technologies that are mercury-free to ensure the protection of both human health and the environment.

Speaking during the seconnd annual ASGM stakeholders meeting last Friday in Kampala, Ms Nyamutoro said this would help boost the mineral sector, following the passing of the Mining and Minerals Act 2022 that is meant to align Uganda’s legislative framework with global trends, foster growth of the sector and increase its contribution to the national economy.

The commodity (gold) holds great livelihood significance as an important source of income and employment for miners and their dependents. Artisanal and small-scale mining accounts for more than 90 percent of the country's gold production and 73 percent of this is produced artisanally.

Ms Nyamutoro noted that, unfortunately, the majority of ASGM miners are processing very small quantities of gold, which is less than a gram, and that the use of mercury to extract gold is very common, a practice which is prohibited under the new regulations.

Figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) indicate that in the Financial Year 2022/2023, mining contributed 2.2 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and according to the Uganda National Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, if integrated into the national economy, the artisanal mining sector could contribute an additional 1.3 percent to GDP to make 3.5 percent.