Extension of artisanal gold mining technology without mercury

Since the first decade of the year 2000, gold panning has become an income-generating activity in Burkina Faso, benefiting nearly 1.2 million direct and indirect actors in rural areas. This activity is also a source of environmental degradation and health problems for the population, due to the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury. It therefore seems imperative to regulate this activity in order to mitigate its negative impacts and enhance its positive impacts. The objective of the study was to identify and propose intervention strategies to improve the environment and the socio-economic well-being of gold mining communities in Burkina Faso. The data was obtained through individual surveys, interviews, and descriptions of the gold miners' activities. The study proposed strategies to popularize the mercury-free gold panning technology that Artisanal Gold Council will be testing in Memer. These strategies are the capitalization of a pilot experience with mercury-free gold panning technology and the establishment of innovation platforms for gold panning.