Zim moves to eliminate mercury in gold mining

Oliver Kazunga

Senior Business Reporter

ZIMBABWE, in collaboration with its international partners, has launched a US$23,7 million five-year project to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining across the country.

Mercury, which is used to extract gold from ore, is a toxic chemical that damages the lungs, skin and eyes while the substance can travel far from where it is released, polluting the air, water, and soil.

The substance also bio-accumulates the food chain.

Authorities and other stakeholders have raised concerns in recent years over the use of mercury in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining industry, which contributes over two-thirds of Zimbabwe’s total gold output.

Gold is the country’s largest single export, according to official figures from Fidelity Gold Refinery, the country’s exclusive buyer of the yellow metal produced locally, reaching 32 tonnes in the first 11 months of this year.

From January to November 2024, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector delivered 20,3 tonnes while primary producers or the large-scale miners produced 11,7 tonnes.

In a statement, planetGOLD Zimbabwe, one of the project partners said the initiative, which is financially supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), was part of a global programme implemented in 25 countries.

The Government is also working with IMPACT, a NGO, in executing the project.

“Zimbabwe’s Government is taking action to support a more responsible artisanal gold mining sector, launching a U$23,7 million project to reduce mercury across mine sites in the country.

“In Zimbabwe, over 300 000 people work in artisanal gold mining, with the sector contributing to more than 40 percent of the country’s mineral exports.

“Across the country, 96 percent of artisanal gold mine sites use mercury, with miners often forgoing protective equipment and risking exposure to toxic fumes.

“Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold mining activities result in more than 24 tonnes of mercury being released annually,” it said.

The project will work together with local communities to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining — the world’s largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury pollution — while improving the health and lives of local mining communities.

The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project plans to support 7 500 men and women at 11 districts in Zimbabwe, reducing mercury use by 4 85 tonnes.

“In addition to mercury reduction, the project aims to support formalisation of the artisanal gold mining sector and increasing miners’ access to finance.

“This will lead to the adoption of mercury-free technologies and promote more responsible and traceable gold supply chains,” said planetGOLD Zimbabwe.

The project, which was officially launched last month in Harare with an inception workshop, brought together stakeholders to discuss how planetGOLD Zimbabwe will support a more responsible artisanal gold sector.

According to planetGOLD Zimbabwe, Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Mr Edward Samuriwo recently outlined the project’s significance in addressing the challenges of mercury use in Zimbabwe’s gold mining sector.

He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury and emphasised the pivotal role the planetGOLD project will play in supporting the country’s efforts to eliminate mercury use in artisanal gold mining through the implementation of Zimbabwe’s national action plan.

Zimbabwe ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2021.

In its national action plan, the country committed to strong co-operation among all stakeholders including Government agencies and supply chain actors to improve the health and safety of communities involved in artisanal gold mining.

IMPACT deputy executive director Mr Yann Lebrat said: “Through the launch of the planetGOLD project, Zimbabwe moves towards more responsible artisanal gold mining.

“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable change in the sector.” The mining industry, anchored by gold, is one of the major cornerstones of Zimbabwe’s economy.

According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency, the mining sector accounts for 70 percent to Foreign Direct Investment — 80 to exports — 19 percent to Government’s revenue — 3 percent to direct formal employment — and 13,5 percent to national income.

The sector is endowed with vast mineral deposits that also includes platinum; diamond; lithium; chrome; coal; and semi-precious stones such as antimony, amazonite, and agate where the small-scale miners are actively involved.