The federal government has restated its commitment to promoting mercury-free gold mining practices in parts of the country, following pressing concerns about environmental health and the well-being of citizens.

Mahmud Kambari, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, said this at the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) on “Global Environment Facility (GEF) GOLD+ NIGERIA” with the theme “Enhancing the Formalisation and Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria Project”.

“The issue of mercury pollution, particularly within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, presents a significant and pressing challenge to our environment and the health and well-being of our citizens.

“It is noteworthy that mercury pollution from ASGM contributes approximately 37 per cent of global mercury emissions.

“The core objectives of this significant project are to substantially reduce mercury use within the ASGM sector in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi and to establish a robust framework for a nationwide transition towards sustainable and environmentally sound mining practices,” Mr Kambari said.

According to him, the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project builds on the foundation laid by the National Adaptation Programme and is of paramount importance to the Federal Ministry of Environment and the nation as a whole.

“The Project Steering Committee will bear the crucial responsibility of providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to effectively support the project’s overarching objectives.

“The GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project is strategically 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,” he explained.

Also speaking, Bahijjahtu Abubakar, the director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, said the ministry recognises the imperative need to mitigate the environmental and public health hazards associated with mercury.

“We are resolutely committed to fostering sustainable solutions; we have assembled a diverse and highly capable group of individuals and organisations, each possessing unique and valuable expertise and perspectives,” he said.

Gilbert Adie, executive director of the Basel Convention Coordinating Mercury, said the issue of mercury use in mining must be addressed with urgency.

(NAN)