Nicaragua

*Proposed sites based on preliminary analysis to be confirmed during project implementation.

Artisanal mining in Nicaragua

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) is practiced in 33 municipalities, mainly in the northeast, northwest and central areas of the country. This activity is a key driver of socioeconomic development in these regions. These communities where ASGM is present are diverse and often located far from the urban center. 

In many cases, artisanal and small-scale mining is the main livelihood for families in these areas, providing higher incomes than other economic activities and contributing to broader development through trade and the provision of related services. However, mercury use is common in this sector. 

ASGM in Nicaragua has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, with women's participation prominent in processing activities, where the greatest exposure to mercury occurs. Ore extraction is carried out in open pit and subway mining, with mostly manual techniques that vary depending on the location and characteristics of the deposit and the visual observations made by the miners.

Nicaragua's Approach

The main objective of the planetGOLD Nicaragua project is to reduce mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector through a holistic, multi-sectoral approach, integrated formalization and increased access to finance, leading to the adoption of mercury-free technologies and providing access to traceable gold supply chains.

The planetGOLD Nicaragua project expects to benefit more than 4,800 people and reduce mercury use by 3.5 tonnes over the five years of the project.

Key Strategies

Improve the formalization of the ASGM sector through the creation of legal instruments and capacity building	Promote financial inclusion and access to responsible supply chains through capacity building and the creation of alternative financial mechanisms
Encourage the adoption of mercury-free processing technologies and promote occupational health and safety	Sharing knowledge and supporting technical capacity building  of ASGM sector stakeholders