New: Training artisanal gold miners to eliminate toxic mercury in Burkina Faso
Improving understanding of the challenges and opportunities of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, in local communities and beyond
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Get a look at planetGOLD's mercury-free technology transfer initiatives
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Get an interactive look at countries around the world working to make mercury history
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We are working to transform artisanal and small-scale gold mining, from mine to market
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Artisanal and small-scale gold mining: What is it and why does it matter?
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Key Resource: Finding ways for responsible gold to access international markets
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planetGOLD develops specific criteria to govern operations of ASGM entities engaged with programme
Making a world of difference in small-scale gold mining
planetGOLD works to make small-scale gold mining safer, cleaner, and more profitable. Our vision is a clean global supply of gold from small-scale miners.
Learn moreWhere we are making a difference
Knowledge Areas
The planetGOLD programme is working to eliminate mercury from the supply chain of gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners by supporting improvements in these four areas.
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Awareness Raising -
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FormalizationIntegrating miners into the formal economy and regulatory system for the benefit of all -
Technical SolutionsReducing mercury use and improving efficiency with better practices and technologies
Featured
Dispatches From The Field
Building a mercury-free future in Mongolia
Two new facilities nearing completion in Mongolia will allow small-scale gold miners to use a centralized, professional processing service that is mercury-free, rather than doing the gold processing themselves in secret using mercury.
Visit the new mercury-free facilities constructed in Mandal soum and Tunkhel village to get a glimpse of these lasting investments to help miners transition and make mercury history in Mongolia's ASGM sector.
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Resources
Getting responsible gold to international markets
Often when artisanal & small-scale miners produce gold observing relevant environmental, social and governance standards, practical barriers to accessing international markets still remain. This report offers insights for securing a brighter future for the legitimate, safe and clean flow of artisanal and small-scale gold to market.
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Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mercury use does planetGOLD aim to prevent? How do people get exposed to mercury used in ASGM activities? How much gold does the ASGM sector produce each year? Where does gold go between the ASGM mine and the consumer market? Find answers to some of the most common questions that are asked about planetGOLD and about artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
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Resources
Best Management Practices for Cyanide Use in the ASGM Sector
Cyanide is the current large-scale mining industry standard for gold extraction from milled ore, but can it also serve as a responsible mercury-free alternative for artisanal & small-scale gold mining? Explore the issue in this report.