planetGOLD Uganda Advances Mercury-Free Mining with New Publication and Widespread Awareness Campaign
KAMPALA, Uganda – As part of its ongoing mission to transform the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, planetGOLD Uganda has released the second edition of Stories from the Field, a publication detailing the real-world experiences of miners transitioning to mercury-free technologies. This release coincides with a surge in nationwide awareness efforts aimed at educating mining communities on the dangers of mercury and the benefits of safer alternatives.
The 2025 edition of Stories from the Field provides an intimate look at the personal journeys of miners who have adopted mercury-free methods at their sites. The publication highlights the challenges they face, the successes they have achieved, and offers practical technical insights into alternative mineral processing methods. The goal is to provide a clear roadmap for other miners seeking to transition to safer, cleaner, and more responsible practices.
Knowledge as a Strategy
Since December 2024, planetGOLD Uganda has intensified its grassroots outreach, operating under the belief that “informed miners make safer choices.” The campaign has successfully reached more than 1,000 artisanal miners through targeted awareness sessions across 11 project sites in key districts, including Kassanda, Busia, Namayingo, Kisoro, Buhweju, Amudat, and Moroto.
In addition to on-the-ground sessions, the initiative extended its reach through mass media. The project hosted five radio talk shows in targeted regions, amplifying critical messages regarding the dangers of mercury use, proper health and safety practices, and sound environmental management. These radio broadcasts allowed the message to extend beyond the mining sites, reaching entire communities.
A Multi-Sectoral Partnership
The awareness drive is part of a broader strategy to formalize and clean up the ASGM sector in Uganda. “We believe awareness is not just an activity, it is a strategy,” a project representative noted. “Every informed miner brings Uganda closer to a safer, mercury-free ASGM sector.”
The planetGOLD Uganda initiative is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) , led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) , and executed by IMPACT in partnership with Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) .
The newly released Stories from the Field publication is available for download in English, offering a 17.60MB PDF resource for stakeholders, miners, and policymakers committed to ending mercury use in gold mining.
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