Training Session in Zorgho Equips Artisanal Miners with Knowledge on Mercury-Free Techniques

Zorgho — A consortium of NGOs including Caritas-Suisse, Solidar-Suisse, and the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) organized a two-day training session on October 19 and 20, 2023, for stakeholders involved in artisanal and small-scale mining (MAPE) in the Central Plateau region. The opening session was led by Valentin Badolo, the President of the special municipal delegation (PDS) of Zorgho.

According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, the training aimed to educate stakeholders on the health and environmental risks of using mercury, among other objectives.

The training benefited managers of gold panning sites, representatives of artisanal mining groups, and community leaders from the communes of Absouya, Mogtédo, and Méguet. The sessions were centered around the Minamata Convention, an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from mercury emissions and releases. “Minamata” refers to a Japanese city that experienced a tragedy linked to mercury exposure and occupational health and safety.

The two-day program specifically targeted the identification of health and environmental risks associated with mercury usage, precautions to mitigate these risks, and opportunities arising from the application of the Minamata Convention. The training also promoted the adoption of mercury-free ore processing technologies.

Themes of occupational health and safety in artisanal mining were also addressed. The training provided an opportunity for organizers to gauge the perception of artisanal miners on health and safety at work and to discuss risks and illnesses linked to artisanal mining.

The initiative is part of the “Responsible Gold” project, which commenced its first phase on May 1, 2023, for a four-year duration. This project aims to promote responsible gold mining practices in Burkina Faso, focusing on the Central Plateau and Center-West regions. Its goal is to improve working conditions and contribute to local development.

President Valentin Badolo expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Mines and Quarries, the Swiss Development and Cooperation Directorate in Burkina Faso, and the participating NGOs for choosing Zorgho as the training location. He commended the organizers for their community investment.

Saïdou Kabré, the country representative for the Artisanal Gold Council, praised the participants’ enthusiasm and encouraged them to apply and share the newly acquired knowledge. He also thanked all partner organizations and agencies for their contributions.

Issa Compaoré, the president of the regional union of gold miners of the central plateau, welcomed the training. He raised concerns about the consumption of adulterated drinks by gold miners and called for authoritative intervention.