The government has renewed its call to phase out the use of mercury among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners (ASGM), citing severe health risks and environmental pollution.
Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), emphasized the urgency of this move during an annual stakeholders' meeting hosted by Gold Planet Uganda at Mestil Hotel on October 4, 2024.
Nyamutoro refuted claims that the government seeks to undermine artisanal miners, stating, “There’s a misconception that the government doesn't want artisanal miners to thrive.
She further noted that while miners focus on daily profits, they often overlook the long-term dangers of mercury exposure.
Lynn Gitu, Project Manager for Planet Gold Uganda, revealed that an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 people work in the wider artisanal and small-scale mining sector, with approximately 31,600 involved in gold mining. Gitu explained that the Uganda project aims to support 4,500 miners at 11 sites, reducing mercury use by 15 tonnes by 2029.
