PROPOSTA DE PROJECTO PARA MAGTAP

Activity Development of Mercury-free technological initiatives in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining
(ASGM)
Mercury has been one of the main materials used in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in
Mozambique for the procurement of gold through the amalgamation process. Furthermore, practices such as
the direct use of mercury in ore grinding and the burning of amalgams in work sites, represent an imminent
risk to human health and the environment due to the permanence characteristics of this substance, which can
trigger a series of diseases and/or effects that are irreversible for both human health and ecosystems in
Activity context general.

Mozambique, well aware of the fact that mercury poses a threat to human health and the environment
resulting from its use and application in several industrial sectors, especially in ASGM, joined the Minamata
Convention on October 10, 2013. The present project represents a national effort in compliance with the
provisions of Article 7 and Annex C of the Convention.
Institution's long-term organizational Eradicate the use of mercury in gold processing and promote the sustainability of artisanal and small-scale
vision and strategy gold mining.
Develop alternative mercury-free gold processing technologies for the operationalization of the NAP
Objective
(National Action Plan) under the Minamata Convention.
Justification Mercury has long been used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) to extract gold from ore
sediment and rock deposits. The communities near these mines are also affected due to mercury
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contamination of water and soil and subsequent accumulation in food staples, such as fish-a major source of
dietary protein in many ASGM regions. The risks to children are also substantial, with mercury emissions
from ASGM resulting in both physical and mental disabilities and compromised development.

Although many miners use mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, it is possible to safely and
economically recover gold without it. Mercury-free techniques are safer for miners, their families and local
communities. They may also help miners market their gold at higher prices.
Impact Sustainability of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities.
Estimated Cost 2 300 000 USD

Aditional Information
Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula, Zambézia, Tete, Manica, and Sofala provinces (In selected areas of each
Target Areas
province)
Expected duration (Years) 4

 Projecto: Desenvolvimento de iniciativas tecnológicas livres de Mercúrio na Mineração Artesanal e de Pequena Escala do Ouro (MAPEO).

 Objectivos: Desenvolver tecnologias alternativas de processamento de ouro isentas do mercúrio no âmbito da operacionalização do PNA (Plano
Nacional de Acção) no âmbito da Convenção de Minamata.
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 Entregáveis: Tecnologias alternativas de processamento de ouro isentas do mercúrio desenvolvidas e em uso nas áreas da MAPEO.