Abuja: The Federal Government is committed to enhancing mercury-free gold mining practices in some parts of the country due to the pressing challenge on the environment, health, and well-being of citizens. Mr. Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the government’s dedication during the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) on the ‘Global Environment Facility (GEF) GOLD+ NIGERIA’ with the theme: Enhancing the Formalisation and Mercury-free Gold in Nigeria Project.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project builds upon the foundation laid by the National Adaptation Programme and holds paramount importance for the Federal Ministry of Environment and for the nation as a whole. Mr. Kambari highlighted that the core objectives of this project are to substantially reduce mercury use within the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi. Additionally, the project aims to establish a robust framework for a nationwide transition towards sustainable and environmentally sound mining practices.
Mr. Kambari noted that mercury pollution from ASGM contributes approximately 37 percent of global mercury emissions. The Project Steering Committee is tasked with providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to effectively support the project’s overarching objectives. The GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project is designed to address this challenge comprehensively through a multi-faceted approach encompassing the promotion of formalisation, improved access to financial resources, and the facilitation of the adoption of sustainable, mercury-free technologies within the mining sector.
Mrs. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, also addressed the meeting, emphasizing the ministry’s recognition of the imperative need to mitigate the environmental and public health hazards associated with mercury. She stated that the ministry is committed to fostering sustainable solutions and has assembled a diverse and highly capable group of individuals and organisations, each possessing unique and valuable expertise and perspectives.
Prof. Gilbert Adie, Executive-Director of the Basel Convention Coordinating Mercury, stressed the urgency of addressing mercury use in mining.