Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s burgeoning artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector provides critical livelihoods for women and young men, but is largely informal and associated with a range of social and environmental challenges, including mercury use. In response, the government of Sierra Leone has developed a National Action Plan to reduce mercury usage in the ASGM sector, through formalization, introduction of better mining practices and advancing gender equality in ASGM communities. Through this project, Pact is helping stakeholders to kick-start implementation of the NAP by supporting responsible gold production and trade and improved formal market access for ASGM miners and gold traders. Interventions will target Sierra Leone’s Tonkolili district, where significant ASGM activity takes place. Pact is focusing on organizational and technical strengthening for improved occupational health and safety, mercury-free production and regulatory compliance, as well as supply chain due diligence and market access.