Centuries after European explorers came in search of the fabled gold city of El Dorado, Guyana continues to be known for its natural resources and growing mining sector. Gold plays a central role in Guyana’s economy, representing about 64% of its foreign exchange and 15% of its total economic output.
The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector in Guyana is robust, accounting for 70% of its gold production, and it is fully legalized—a unique distinction among gold producing countries. It is also the primary source of employment and revenue for more than 15,000 people in Guyana’s hinterland, including members of local indigenous communities.
Yet challenges remain. Small-scale gold mining is a significant driver of deforestation, and the country’s largest source of mercury emissions. Many ASGM miners use mercury in the final stage of gold extraction, directly exposing themselves to hazardous fumes. Some miners also use mercury in the pit or sluice box, which often results in contamination of waterways, affecting nearby communities.
As the continued expansion of the extractives sector puts pressure on a region with some of the greatest biodiversity in the world, adopting mercury-free, environmentally friendly approaches to mining has become a national priority for Guyana.
Key Figures from Guyana
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15,000+ people are employed in ASGM sector
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78% of mineral production value generated by gold
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86% of land is covered by rainforest
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94% of mercury emissions generated by mining
Guyana’s Approach
In partnership with the national government, the planetGOLD Guyana project utilized a supply chain approach to help achieve 100% mercury-free mining by 2025—Guyana’s National Action Plan commitment under the Minamata Convention. By directly involving business enterprises and creating market incentives, the project utilized a profit motive to lead the shift toward a mercury-free ASGM commodity chain, with responsibly mined “El Dorado Gold” branded jewelry as the end product.
Key Strategies
| Establish mercury-free mining processes
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| Create financial mechanism for investing in new technologies |
| Bring responsibly mined mercury-free gold to market |
| Develop national policies and incentives for producing mercury-free gold |
| Educate and raise awareness |
Project Resources
Documentation of planetGOLD Guyana ASGM Financial Inclusion Interventions
Cristian Arias and Kamila Gómez, Alliance for Responsible Mining English
This case study documents the finance models implemented by the planetGOLD Guyana project in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities, with a consideration of the gender aspects of the projects.
Technical report on the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Guyana
Artisanal Gold Council English
The purpose of this report is to provide a geological basis for an informed opinion as to the status and nature of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mine (ASGM) resources in the Mahdia area, Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana
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Guidelines for Following FPIC for Indigenous Peoples
Conservation International Guyana English
An approach for use under the El Dorado Gold Responsible Mining Initiative
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Equipment for Responsible Mining
planetGOLD Guyana English
This booklet highlights some tools and equipment that can be used in Guyana for mercury-free gold mining. These tools can be used in different combinations to increase gold production and still reduce the need for mercury in mining operations.
Working with COVID-19 Booklet
planetGOLD Guyana English
Mining districts and their nearby Indigenous Communities in Guyana have been impacted by COVID-19. This booklet provides guidance and recommendations for the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector to support a safe, clean, and healthy environment for workers.
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Mercury Nah Easy / Careful with Quicksilver - Awareness Raising Posters
planetGOLD Guyana English
This set of posters created by the planetGOLD Guyana project provides information about the dangers of mercury exposure, health problems it can cause, and practical tips miners can take to reduce the risk of exposure for themselves and their families.
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Safeguards and their Role in the Responsible Mining Initiative - Brochure/Poster
planetGOLD Guyana English
Safeguards help ensure that project activities result in minimal or no negative effects on people or the environment. In this brochure, which when unfolded can also be used as a poster, introduces four safeguards that guide the planetGOLD Guyana project in delivering benefits to intended persons.
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Safe & Responsible Mining Posters
planetGOLD Guyana English
The planetGOLD Guyana team created these posters to raise awareness using the voices of miners discussing the need for safer, more responsible mining practices based on their own experience and perspective.
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Accountability and Grievance Mechanism Posters
planetGOLD Guyana English
An Accountability and Grievance Mechanism is a way of recording and resolving grievances. These posters developed by the planetGOLD project in Guyana are tools to inform the public about its mechanism and the process by which anyone who feels they are negatively impacted by the project could report a grievance.
Take a 360° interactive tour of the mercury-free demonstration site
Media Gallery
Project News
Project Videos
Demonstration of equipment for mercury-free gold mining in Guyana
planetGOLD Guyana English
The planetGOLD Guyana project is assisting artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities implement mercury-free technologies that also increase yield and profits. This video demonstrates the use of three types of equipment that concentrate gold from alluvial deposits without using mercury - the gold kacha, gold cube, and blue bowl. The devices can be used in combination with each other and with other equipment to create an efficient and mercury-free gold recovery process.
Interview with Small-Scale Miner from Guyana, Germain Young
planetGOLD Guyana English
The planetGOLD Guyana project is supporting Guyana with the move towards reducing and eliminating, where possible, the use of mercury in ASGM sector. Here we meet up with one small miner from Region 8 in Guyana, South America where he shares his knowledge on the dangers or mercury and his experience as a miner.
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Interview with Small-Scale Miner Juliana Thorne in Region 8, Guyana
planetGOLD Guyana English
The planetGOLD Guyana project is supporting Guyana with the move towards reducing and eliminating, where possible, the use of mercury in ASGM sector. Here we meet up with one small scale woman miner from Region 8 in Guyana, South America where she shares her knowledge on the dangers or mercury and her experience as a miner.
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Interview with Medium Scale Miner Vincent Xavier
planetGOLD Guyana English
The planetGOLD Guyana project is supporting Guyana with the move towards reducing and eliminating, where possible, the use of mercury in ASGM sector. Here we meet up with one small miner from Region 8 in Guyana, South America where he shares his knowledge on the dangers or mercury and his experience as a miner.
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planetGOLD Guyana Year 1 Progress Video
planetGOLD Guyana English
The planetGOLD Guyana project has completed its first year of implementation. The project team from Conservation International describes some of the challenges and highlights.
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More Info
The planetGOLD Guyana project concluded its activities in February 2023. The project was implemented by Conservation International and executed in partnership with Conservation International-Guyana, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, National Toshaos Council, Guyana Women Miners Organisation, and the National Mining Syndicate Inc.
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Other planetGOLD countries
planetGOLD project sites in Guyana