Plans are in top gear to mitigate health complications caused by the use of mercury in gold mining and processing in Western Kenya. 

Under the initiative dubbed ‘Planet Gold Programme’, small-scale and artisanal miners will undergo rigorous training on how to process gold using technologies that do not involve mercury, a toxic heavy metal that exposes users to health complications. 

So far, two demo centres are being constructed at Rosterman in Lurambi sub-county and at Ikolomani, where at least six different gold mining technologies will be showcased for the benefit of the targeted miners. 

The initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also seeks to give artisanal miners spread across the region access to grants to enable them to acquire desired technologies, promote environmental conservation and their general health. 

According to Mayani Saino from the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Planet gold project will help the country abide by the Minamata Convention on Mercury – an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury compounds.  

“Artisanal and small-scale gold miners will help reduce contamination of mercury in environment and health system.  The demo sites will help miners to have knowledge transfer on alternative technology,” said Saino during a tour of Kakamega County. 

She said the project will take a multi-stakeholder implementation approach “where we shall work closely with the State Department for Mining to ensure we safeguard the environment, health systems and the economic viability in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.” 

Gonvine Omondi, a renowned geologist, said miners will have a wide range of technologies to choose from during the showcase at the two demo sites. 

“The miners will also be able to choose a technology that suits their setups and be able to work safely and professionally in gold mines without the risk of coming into contact with mercury,” said Omondi, who is also the project technical advisor. 

The demo sites are expected to be ready within six weeks, according to the official. 

Job Onzomo, in charge of geologist activities in Kakamega county, told journalists that artisanal miners have been mobilised and sensitised to join cooperatives in order to benefit fully from the initiative.

“It will be easy for artisanal miners to access the government support when working in groups,” he said.