Sensitisation: Ugandan artisanal gold miners embrace safer practices amid mercury awareness drive

“We are privileged to have planetGOLD come for sensitisation and especially teaching us on the dangers of mercury use which has been the predominant chemical for use in the catching of gold.” 

This is how Atony Owol, a community member in Tiira Town, Busia District in eastern Uganda expressed gratitude to the planetGOLD Uganda project and its recent awareness raising drive on the dangers of mercury use in gold mining. Tiira is a hub for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), where mercury has traditionally been used extensively. 

Over two days in May, the planetGOLD Uganda project conducted a sensitization campaign in Namayingo and Busia districts, both known for ASGM activities. The initiative was supported by a rig truck to reach mining sites and surrounding communities, broadcasting recorded messages and videos highlighting the dangers of mercury to human health and the environment. The campaign also covered topics such as alternative technologies to mercury, gender, health and safety, child labor, and the importance of miners’ registration.

Steven Kwehingira, a technical officer from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development expressed the need for the sensitization of miners. “Teaching our people on how they can use alternative technology to mercury because of its adverse effects on the health and environment is important,” he said. He expressed optimism that the sensitization efforts would contribute significantly to reducing mercury use and ensuring the safety of mining communities. Kwehingira noted positive feedback from the community, indicating a willingness to adopt safer practices.

In addition to community-wide broadcasts, representatives from the Ministries of Gender, Energy and Mineral Development, Trade, and project staff engaged directly with miners at their work sites. These face-to-face interactions allowed for personalised discussions on the risks associated with mercury and provided an opportunity for miners to ask questions and share their perspectives.

The drive comes as a step in planetGOLD’s goal of sensitizing 4,000 miners in project areas on the harmful effects of mercury—including 50% women. With combined effort from government officials, the initiative reflects a collaborative effort to promote sustainable mining practices and protect the well-being of communities involved in ASGM in Uganda. By advocating for the adoption of mercury-free technologies, planetGOLD and its partners are paving the way for safer and more environmentally friendly mining practices in the country. The project will take the drive to other project sites across the country in coming months. 

The planetGOLD Uganda project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It is executed by IMPACT in partnership with Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the country’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development under the Department of Mines. The project aims to reduce the use of mercury by supporting formalization of the artisanal gold mining sector and increasing access to finance. This will lead to adoption of mercury-free technologies and allow access to more responsible and traceable gold supply chains.