planetGOLD Ghana and GoldBOD Explore Partnership to Advance Responsible Gold Mining

The planetGOLD Ghana Project and the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) are exploring new ways to improve access to finance for small-scale miners, promote mercury-free gold processing and strengthen responsible gold trading as part of efforts to make Ghana’s gold sector more sustainable.

The meeting brought together technical teams from Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), planetGOLD Ghana, Goldbod and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to identify practical areas of cooperation.

The discussions focused on how the institutions could combine their efforts to support small-scale miners, reduce the harmful effects of mercury use and improve the traceability of gold produced in Ghana.

The Ag, Mrs Esi Nana Nerquaye-Tetteh, highlighted the importance of cooperation between EPA and Goldbod, noting that both institutions have complementary roles in promoting responsible mining and sustainable gold trade.

A major focus of the meeting was the project’s proposed US$1.8 million revolving fund, which is designed to help eligible miners access finance for mercury free mining equipment and more responsible mining operations. Participants explored how Goldbod could support or complement the fund and how both institutions could align their financing approaches to reach more miners.

The meeting also examined ways to connect miners at the project’s pilot sites with licensed gold buyers. Improved traceability would help identify the origin of gold and support efforts to ensure that it is produced and traded responsibly.

Goldbod shared information about its work on responsible sourcing, formalization, technical support, traceability and financing. Both institutions expressed interest in identifying practical ways to strengthen cooperation in these areas.

Other issues discussed included support for local equipment fabricators, technical training for miners, geological services and the development of central processing facilities. 

The meeting agreed that technical teams from EPA, planetGOLD Ghana and Goldbod would identify areas of common interest and develop a joint work plan. The teams will also work towards preparing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide future collaboration, followed by further engagement at senior management level.

The engagement comes at an important time as the planetGOLD Ghana Project works towards its planned completion in 2027. Stronger cooperation with Goldbod could help advance efforts to support small-scale miners, promote mercury-free technologies and improve access to responsible gold markets.

Through continued collaboration, EPA, planetGOLD Ghana and the Ghana Goldbod aim to contribute to a gold mining sector that supports livelihoods, protects human health and the environment, and promotes responsible and sustainable gold production in Ghana.