MERCURY ELIMINATION IN ASGM

Artisanal And Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)

Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is an economic activity practiced widely in East Africa. In Kenya the activity takes place mainly in the western parts of the country and provides a source of livelihood to miners thus helping them alleviate poverty. Mercury is often used in ASGM.

Exposure to Mercury can have serious health and environmental impacts. Mercury can be transported long distances by air or water, poisoning the soil and waterways, and eventually making its way into the food chain. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause harm to people, especially pregnant women (putting the development of the fetus at risk) and children, it affects the brain and the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.

There is a need to raise awareness on the effects of mercury and for these communities to adapt to alternative mercury-free technologies. CEJAD together with its partners, are working with the miners and stakeholders in the ASGM sector to ensure there is safe and sustainable mining practice by reducing the use of mercury.

We Aim To

Reduce mercury emissions and releases to the environment of mercury from mining activities in line with Article 7 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Support alternative practices and livelihoods for the mining communities to reduce mercury use and protect ASGM communities from adverse impacts of mercury and mercury compounds.

We Do This By

Conducting surveys and studies on the use of mercury in ASGM communities in Kenya and its impacts especially on the vulnerable populations such as women of to inform policy and regulatory frameworks in Kenya.
Informing and contributing to policy and regulatory frameworks development in Kenya to reduce/where feasible eliminate mercury use in ASGM.
Carrying out awareness to miners and mining communities on the dangers of mercury and its impacts to Human Health and Environment.