Transition plan for the elimination of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining

by | March 1, 2019 | Blog

Public positioning of the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) on Mercury 

With the entry into force of the Minamata Agreement in August 2017, and considering that the use of mercury by artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is one of the main sources of pollution on the planet, ARM considers it important to update its position against the use of mercury in gold ASM.

Do you want to understand a little more how ASM is related to mercury and what proposals does ARM have to achieve a transition plan? Check our positioning on mercury.

ARM – MERCURY AND MINAMATA

  • There is an obligation and a willingness to support all efforts to progressively reduce the use of mercury until it is eliminated, when feasible.
  • ARM participated as a representative of civil society in the negotiations that led to the Minamata Agreement and supports and shares the spirit and values ​​enshrined in it.
  • ARM holds the following positions, in line with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP):
  1. The progressive character of the elimination of mercury.
  2. The importance of a design for the National Plans of Action
  3. The process of progressive reduction must begin with the implementation of the Priority Actions proposed by
    the Convention (Annex C of the Convention)

THE ASM AND THE MERCURY 

  • Small-scale gold mining has historically used mercury, because it has been considered the best available technology.
  • ARM shares the concern of the international community about the consequences of the indiscriminate use of mercury. At the same time, it recognizes the socio-economic vulnerability of the communities whose livelihood is derived from gold ASM. For this reason, ARM advocates for strong and direct support to legitimate gold miners and miners that accompany the transition to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate the use of mercury.

WE PROPOSE

  • Raising awareness and training on effects and best practices.
  • Train and accompany in implementing priority actions related to the reduction.
  • Offering viable mercury-free technological alternatives.
  • Creating financial mechanisms.
  • . Facilitating access to legal markets.
  • Promoting adequate public policies.

GET DEEPER

Read ARM’s positioning on mercury to understand the mining reality and know more about …

  • WHAT DOES THE ASM MINERS NEED TO ELIMINATE THE MERCURY?
  • RISKS OF RADICALLY PROHIBIT MERCURY

Finally, we remember the guide for the responsible management and alternatives of elimination of mercury in work environments of the mining sector (in Spanish), published by ARM (Somos Tesoro Proyect) in 2017.

More information on ARM and governance for sustainable ASM here.

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