The planetGOLD programme works in partnership with governments, the private sector, and ASGM communities to significantly improve the production practices and work environment of artisanal and small-scale miners. By working to close the financing gap, supporting formalization, raising awareness, and connecting mining communities with mercury-free technology and formal markets, the planetGOLD programme supported by the Global Environmental Facility aims to demonstrate a pathway to cleaner and more efficient small-scale gold mining practices that benefit everyone, from mine to market.

Key Strategies: 

1. Optimize formalization of the ASGM sector.
2. Promote financial inclusion and responsible supply chains 
3. Enhance uptake of mercury-free technologies.
4. Share knowledge and support local capacity building.

IMPACT is an implementing partner for the planetGOLD Uganda and planetGOLD Côte d’Ivoire projects. The projects are supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

planetGOLD Uganda

In Uganda, IMPACT is an implementing agency in partnership with Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the country’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development under the Department of Mines.

The planetGOLD Uganda project’s objective is to reduce the use of mercury in the country’s ASGM sector through a holistic, multisectoral integrated formalization approach and to increase access to finance, leading to adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies and access to traceable gold supply chains.

The project plans to support 4,500 men and women at 11 mine sites in the country, reducing mercury use by 15 tonnes over the course of the five-year project. 

For more information visit: https://www.planetgold.org/uganda

planetGOLD Côte d’Ivoire

In Côte d’Ivoire, IMPACT implements the project with the Centre Africaine pour la Santé et l’Environnement (CASE).

The planetGOLD Côte d’Ivoire project aims at reducing the use of mercury in the ASGM sector through a holistic, multi-sectoral and integrated formalization approach. The project also aims to improve access to traceable gold supply chains and financing for the adoption of sustainable, effective and practical mercury-free technologies. 

The project plans to directly support about 4,000 artisanal gold miners and to indirectly support 20,000 people in the country’s four major ASGM areas, with a target of reducing mercury use by 4.5 tonnes over the course of the five-year project.

For more information visit: https://www.planetgold.org/cote-divoire

planetGOLD Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, IMPACT implements the project in close coordination with the government of Zimbabwe.

The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project’s objective is to reduce the use of mercury in the ASGM through a holistic, multisectoral, integrated formalization approach, and to increase access to traceable gold supply chains and finance for adoption of sustainable mercury free technologies.

The project plans to project plans to support 7,500 men and women in 11 districts in Zimbabwe, reducing mercury use by 4.85 tonnes. In addition to mercury reduction, the project aims to support formalization of the artisanal gold mining sector and increasing miner’s access to finance.

For more information visit: https://www.planetgold.org/zimbabwe