The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting mercury-free gold mining practices in parts of the country to address environmental degradation and safeguard public health.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, stated this during the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) GOLD+ Nigeria Project themed “Enhancing the Formalisation and Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria.”
Kambari described mercury pollution, particularly within the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector, as a serious threat to the environment and human health.
“The issue of mercury pollution, particularly within the ASGM sector, presents a significant and pressing challenge to our environment and the health and well-being of our citizens,” he said.
“It is noteworthy that mercury pollution from ASGM contributes approximately 37 percent of global mercury emissions.”
He explained that the project’s core objectives are to significantly reduce mercury use in gold mining operations in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, while also creating a framework for a nationwide transition to sustainable and environmentally sound mining practices.
According to Kambari, the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project builds upon the foundation laid by the National Adaptation Programme and remains a priority for the Federal Ministry of Environment and the country at large.
He said the Project Steering Committee would play a vital role in providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
“The project is strategically designed to address mercury pollution through a multi-faceted approach that promotes formalisation, improves access to financial resources, and facilitates the adoption of sustainable, mercury-free technologies within the mining sector,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the ministry, Mrs. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, said the ministry recognises the urgent need to reduce environmental and public health risks associated with mercury use.
“We are resolutely committed to fostering sustainable solutions. We have assembled a diverse and highly capable group of individuals and organisations, each possessing unique expertise and perspectives,” she said.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region, Prof. Gilbert Adie, emphasised the need for urgent action to address the use of mercury in mining activities, stressing that it poses severe risks to both miners and surrounding communities.
