Małgorzata Stylo

Explore the latest trends in mercury use, workforce, mercury reduction targets, and more for the ASGM sector based on the data harvested from the Minamata National Action Plans.

Due to inefficiencies in ore processing, some ASGM tailings contain unrecovered gold. If the tailings contain mercury and are reprocessed using cyanide, significant mobilization of mercury to the environment can occur. This article reviews current tailings practices and provides recommendations on sound management of mercury-containing tailings in the ASGM context.

We often say that responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a tool for sustainable development. What do we mean by that? This article examines key opportunities for responsible ASGM to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and to the 2030 Agenda.

In November 2019, the UN Environment Programme's Malgorzata Stylo joined the Minamata National Action Plan (NAP) project team, composed of national consultants, local stakeholders, regional partners from BCRC Caribbean and international experts, for a journey to the interior of Guyana, known as the heart of mining. The journey was an opportunity to learn firsthand about the life and practices employed by thousands of miners and community members from Guyana’s small-scale mining sector.

Today as we observe International Day for Biological Diversity in the midst of a pandemic that has gravely impacted so many as well as the ecosystems on which we depend, the rallying cry to “Build Back Better” rings true for the ASGM sector, which has been disrupted by COVID-19 and, with the right support, has the potential to transition to more responsible and clean production methods that at the same time safeguard our planet`s biodiversity.