Defining the Road Ahead: Challenges and Solutions for Developing and Implementing National Action Plan to Reduce Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining

This report discusses the challenges and solution encountered by countries developing National Action Plan for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The report builds on the discussions held during the regional African NAP workshop organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) in collaboration with the Africa Institute. The report is organized around six key issues that were discussed during the workshop: 1. Developing a national overview of the ASGM sector 2. Developing formalization strategies 3. Introducing better mining practices 4. Managing mercury trade regionally 5. Safeguarding public health 6. Addressing gender equality as a cross-cutting issue

Discussion of these key issues is followed with deliberations on the road ahead: paving the way towards NAP implementation, with a focus on leveraging the necessary political will and inter-ministerial coordination, and the mobilization of financial resources. Finally, based on the identified challenges and solutions, the report concludes with a brief summary of key takeaways/general recommendations for NAP development and implementation.