Resources

Interactive, online guide that synthesizes and connects existing information on mercury-free practices in the ASGM sector through simple graphs, decision trees and illustrative success stories.This guide builds upon the UNEP Technical Guide: "Reducing Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining: A Practical Guide"

This handbook aims to assist countries to develop artisanal and small-scale gold mining formalization strategies as part of their National Action Plans under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. 

The document is available online in English, French and Spanish.

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has benefited from a body of research spanning decades, despite an ongoing lack of understanding and statistical data for the sector. This research paper reviews the existing literature on key thematic areas, bringing various findings together and providing updated information.

 A pilot program to introduce safer mining practices in Nigerian gold mining communities has reduced blood lead levels by 32%, according to a study published today. This is the first study to report on a successful intervention to reduce lead exposures among artisanal miners in communities were hundreds of children have died from lead poisoning from the high levels of lead present in the gold ore.

This infographic features a visual summary of the key facts and figures about ASGM. It provides answers to questions such as: Why is it hard to formalize the sector; Why is mercury used in ASGM; How does the Minamata Convention safeguard the ASGM sector? Key strategies through which the planetGOLD programme is transforming the sector are also presented. 

 This site contains multiple information documents on the dangerous effects of mercury such as: health impacts, tools for actions, guidance documents, fact sheet and other educational materials.

The Technical Background Report to the Global Mercury Assessment 2018 was produced by an international team of experts convened through a collaboration between UN Environment and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). World Health Organization experts contributed to sections dealing with mercury exposure in humans.

This document represents an expansion of the UNEP Guidance Document: Developing a National Strategic Plan to Reduce Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (UNEP 2011), and is intended to reflect advances in understanding of the ASGM sector. Although this guidance document is not legally binding and is not to be construed as a further elaboration or official interpretation of the Minamata Convention, it is intended to provide guidance to countries in formulating NAPs that are consistent with the requirements of the Minamata Convention, and provide technical, legal and policy information on issues related to ASGM.

This report showcases data contributions made to Delve and demonstrates the potential for a deeper sector analysis when stakeholders share data. As the inaugural report of a planned annual series, the 2019 edition explores the origins and impact of what is identified as the ‘global data gap’ on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). It outlines how through collaboration, the gap can be addressed to guide more effective ASM formalization efforts across the globe. Future reports will examine emerging themes of critical importance to ASM.

This report documents the use of child labor in artisanal and small-scale mines in Ghana’s Western, Central, and
Ashanti Regions, focusing on unlicensed sites, which constitute the vast majority of mines. It also analyzes the measures that some gold traders and refiners take to avoid supporting child labor by buying gold mined with child labor.