From North to South: exchange of experiences for artisanal mining without mercury

Mercury exposure is harmful to human health and the environment. This substance is used in various sectors, such as artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Although ASGM is a source of employment for around 20 million women and men worldwide, the inappropriate use of mercury puts their health, the health of their families, and the environment at risk.

Faced with this problem, Peru is transitioning towards the use of clean technologies to process gold without mercury in various regions. In December 2023, the "From North to South" internship was developed, with the participation of a group of miners from Piura. They visited some mining operations in Puno with the aim of exchanging experiences on the use of gravimetric plants to process gold without mercury.

The internship, organized by the planetGOLD Peru project of Minam and UNDP, involved the participation of the Regional Directorate of Energy and Mines of Piura (DREM Piura) and the Regional Directorate of Energy and Mines of Puno (DREM Puno). During the first day of the visit, a ceremony was held to allow for an initial interaction between officials and miners from both regions. Likewise, a demonstration of the pilot plant installed at the DREM Puno was carried out; this plant serves as a training space for miners in the Puno region.

By using technologies such as the gravimetric table, we can avoid contaminating ourselves with mercury, a substance that damages our bodies and nervous systems.
José Chijmapocco (Nueva Teresita Mine, Puno Region)

On the second day of the internship, the miners from Piura visited the Jesús 2004 Tres and Nueva Teresita mines, two formal companies that use clean technologies to obtain gold without mercury. During the tour of the facilities, miners from both regions were able to share their experiences in implementing responsible social and environmental practices, the profitability of using gravimetric plants, and the marketing opportunities for mercury-free gold.

The greatest learning we gained from Puno is the experience of how they concentrate their minerals with minimal use of mercury.
Eisen Vera (San Sebastian de Suyo Mine, Piura Region)

Although Piura and Puno have different types of mining, obtaining gold without mercury is possible in both locations. In this sense, the commitment of miners and regional and national public entities is key for small-scale and artisanal mining to transition towards cleaner practices without mercury and professionalize a sector capable of empowering local economies and providing real development opportunities to thousands of women and men from rural communities.

• The planetGOLD initiative is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). In Peru, it is executed by the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) in alliance with the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) and with the technical assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).