Nicaragua joins planetGOLD, a global initiative to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal mining and create greater benefits for communities

On Friday, June 21, 2024, the Government of Nicaragua, through the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) announced the launch of the global project planetGOLD Nicaragua, whose objective is to contribute to improving formalization and reducing the use of mercury in gold production from artisanal and small-scale mining in Nicaragua.

The event was held in a hybrid manner, with a national call of more than 120 representatives from the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASGM) sector. Thanks to the format, the event was able to reach the main mining territories of Nicaragua; Triángulo Minero, Matagalpa, León, Chontales, and Rio San Juan.

During the event, information was shared about the planetGOLD Global program, and the scope, planned activities, and expected results of the project during the implementation period were discussed.

The global planetGOLD project began implementation in 2018, and 23 countries around the world are part of this important initiative. planetGOLD Nicaragua is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF); and in Nicaragua, it will be implemented and executed over five years by UNIDO, in coordination with MEM.

To achieve its objectives, the project will undertake four components: improvement of the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining; adoption of mercury-free clean technologies, which will also increase gold recovery; promotion of mechanisms to foster access to financing and legal and fair supply chains; and knowledge exchange and capacity building, with a strong emphasis on the participation of women artisanal miners.

For the development of the project's technical activities, the project has the support of other relevant government institutions such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MARENA), the Ministry of Health (MINSA), the Ministry of Labor (MITRAB), the National Commission for the Registry and Control of Toxic Substances (CNRCST), and the Municipal Commissions of Artisanal Mining.

ASGM is a significant economic activity in Nicaragua as it provides thousands of families with higher incomes than other local economic activities; it also promotes the development of trade and service provision.