HARARE, Zimbabwe (BG) – Zimbabwe’s government has launched a $23.7 million project aimed at reducing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, a move that prioritizes environmental protection and the health of mining communities, according to a statement on Tuesday.

The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), was officially launched on November 14, 2024, in Harare.

It will be executed by IMPACT, an international non-profit organization, in coordination with the Zimbabwean government, planetGOLD, the statement said.

With over 300,000 people working in artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe—contributing to over 40% of the country’s mineral exports—the sector’s heavy reliance on mercury presents serious health and environmental risks.

Mercury, a toxic chemical used to extract gold, can cause lung and skin damage, pollute soil and water, and bioaccumulate in the food chain.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Edward Samuriwo, emphasized the project’s significance in addressing mercury-related challenges.

He highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the country ratified in 2021, and its National Action Plan to eliminate mercury use in artisanal gold mining.

Samuriwo said the planetGOLD project represents a pivotal step towards responsible artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe.

According to the statement, the five-year project aims to reduce mercury use by 4.85 tonnes while supporting 7,500 men and women in 11 districts across Zimbabwe.

Beyond reducing mercury, the initiative focuses on formalizing artisanal mining, improving miners’ access to finance, and promoting mercury-free technologies to establish more responsible and traceable gold supply chains.

Yann Lebrat, IMPACT’s Deputy Executive Director, stressed the importance of collaboration, stating, “Through the launch of the planetGOLD project, Zimbabwe moves towards more responsible artisanal gold mining. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable change in the sector.”

Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector currently accounts for the release of more than 24 tonnes of mercury annually, with 96% of mine sites using the chemical.

The planetGOLD Zimbabwe initiative seeks to transform the sector by balancing environmental sustainability, public health, and economic growth.

The project is part of a larger global effort being implemented in 25 countries to reduce mercury emissions and improve gold supply chains worldwide.