Artisanal Miners in Western Kenya Shift to Mercury — Free Gold Extraction. Kakamega, Kenya – A historic transformation is unfolding in the gold-rich landscapes of Western Kenya, where artisanal miners, once reliant on the toxic substance mercury for gold extraction, are increasingly turning to safer, eco-friendly methods. Bushiangala, a region steeped in gold mining history since the colonial era, has seen miners, known locally as ‘wachimba migodi’, employ traditional hand-crafted techniques for generations.
However, the introduction of mercury around 2008 accelerated the extraction process, leading to widespread contamination and health risks. Now, these miners are taking a stand against the use of mercury, with the support of international initiatives like the planetGOLD Kenya project.
The planetGOLD programme, backed by the Global Environment Facility and led by the United Nations Environment Programme, is empowering miners to transition away from mercury. Through training and technology upgrades, the project is fostering the adoption of cleaner gold recovery techniques, such as gravity concentrators and shaking tables. This shift is not only improving health outcomes but also protecting the Lake Victoria ecosystem, which faces contamination from mercury used in artisanal mining.
The transition from mercury to mercury — free methods is a significant step towards sustainable mining practices in Kenya and beyond.
As the world watches the progress in Bushiangala, there is hope that this initiative will serve as a model for the broader African continent, where artisanal mining is a vital economic activity but also a source of environmental and health concerns.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: SG Editor
