Honduras

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is recognized as an important source of livelihood in Honduras, which has a mining population of 3,000 people—5 percent of whom are women. More than 620 small-scale mining communities have been documented, with the most significant activities taking place in the departments of El Paraíso, Santa Bárbara, Olancho, Choluteca and Valle.

The use of mercury is not prohibited in ASGM, provided miners use best available techniques and environmental practices when using it. Yet whole ore amalgamation remains widespread, releasing considerable quantities of mercury to the environment and negatively impacting the health of miners and their communities.

Transforming ASGM in Honduras into a responsible sector has become an important national challenge. A 2019 regulation for the sector includes provisions aimed at supporting the country’s commitment to implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury and to eliminating the use of mercury. More recently, in 2023 a roadmap for the ASGM sector was announced supporting the strategic vision of a new, responsible ASGM sector for Honduras.

Key Figures from Honduras

Honduras' Approach

The objective of the planetGOLD Honduras project is to reduce the use of mercury and increase income in the ASGM sector in compliance with the Minamata Convention through the use of an environmentally sustainable market approach.

The planetGOLD Honduras project plans to benefit more than 85,000 people, reducing mercury use by six tonnes over the course of the five-year project. 

Key Strategies

Optimize formalization of the ASGM sector	Promote financial inclusion and responsible supply chains
Enhance uptake of mercury-free technologies	Share knowledge and support local capacity building