National Action Plan for artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The National Action Plan for artisanal and small-scale gold mining addresses the issues related to the use and effects of mercury. The strategic objectives are: (i) to reduce mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, eliminate worst practices and increase management of environmental impacts through technical assistance to miners, building institutional capacity to strengthen monitoring and enforcement, improving processing techniques and adopting appropriate mercury-free techniques and technology, where practicable; (ii) to formalize and regulate the artisanal mining aspect of ASGM; (iii) to update legislation dealing with the regulation and use of mercury in ASGM; (iv) to facilitate small- and medium-scale miners' access to finance to support their transition to mercury-free gold mining; (v) to build the economic resilience of both men and women involved in ASGM and mining communities by facilitating their access to alternative or complementary livelihood options; (vi) to effectively manage the importation and internal trade of mercury in the small- and medium-scale gold mining sector, and encourage the compliance of relevant regulations with importers and distributors; (vii) to improve health information systems, including the gathering of health data on the impacts of mercury on miners and communities; (viii) to improve public health care system to provide healthcare services in the ASGM sector, host and downstream communities; (ix) to reduce the risk of mercury exposure of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women, to emissions and releases caused by the ASGM sector and improve gender mainstreaming; (x) to raise the awareness of small- and medium-scale gold miners and mining communities on the detrimental effects and safe use of mercury, develop health programmes and strengthen education and outreach programmes, including specific education programmes targeting youth, women and indigenous communities for effective implementation and support of the activities under this National Action Plan.