ANGLOPHONE WEST AFRICA WORKSHOP ON MERCURY IN ASGM, LAGOS NIGERIA. 8 – 10 JUNE 2011 NATIONAL SITUATION – NIGERIA BY ABIOLA IFUEKO OLANIPEKUN FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ABUJA

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Nigeria is blessed with bountiful solid mineral resources, one of which is gold. Mining of this precious global commodity is mostly conducted by artisanal and small –scale miners, using rudimentary techniques. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining provides an important source of income for miners in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities but their activities pollute the environment with mercury and pose risk to human health and the environment

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND – CONTD. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Nigeria and other developing countries is the largest remaining intentional use of mercury in the world. In contrast to other industrial uses, all of the mercury use in ASGM is released directly into the environment. Once deposited, the mercury form is changed by microbial metabolism to methyl mercury, which bio- accumulates up the food chain, especially in the aquatic food chain (fish &marine mammals) and is the primary source of mercury in food.

Mercury exposure and impacts Mercury exposure has serious effects on man: -it affects foetal neurological development, -linked to lowered fertility, -brain and nerve damage and -heart disease in adult who have high levels of mercury in their blood.

INITIATIVES AND EFFORTS Nigeria joined the United Nations Environment Programme Global Mercury Partnership subsequent to its establishment in 2008 in four areas: i.mercury in products, ii.mercury waste management, iii.mercury in artisanal and small scale gold mining iv.mercury releases from coal/carbon combustion. The aim of joining the global partnership is to network with experts for information sharing, risk communication, assessment and related activities.

INITIATIVES AND EFFORTS Nigeria then established a national expert working group on mercury to advice Government on the key areas of focus and develop appropriate project proposals and strategies to address the adverse effects and risk of mercury exposure to the Nigerian populace. Nigeria is also actively participating and contributing to the ongoing global negotiations towards developing a legally binding instruemnt on mercury, as the Vice President for Africa and Bureau member on the intergovernmental negotiating committee.

CONTAMINATION ISSUES In March 2010, excess childhood death and illness occurring primarily amongst children under five in Zamfara State, Nigeria, was reported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors Without Borders) to the state health authorities. Investigations led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with Federal and Zamfara State authorities, MSF, Blacksmith Institute and the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that the outbreak was caused by acute lead poisoning associated with artisanal gold ore processing.

CONTAMINATION ISSUES The source of this unfortunate incidence was massive environmental contamination from the informal processing of lead-rich ore to extract gold. Further information on the scale of impacts, impacted habitat to be provided during the Zamfara experience lunch event tomorrow.

CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD The need for accurate database on mercury uses, releases and exposure pathway within the ASGM sector Development of policy and regulatory reforms including risk management plan and adaptation of environmentally-friendly methods to reduce mercury releases and exposure.

CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD The unfortunate event within the sector which had resulted in deaths and gross contamination also points to the urgency for concerted action with the ASGM Sector Need to undertake a comprehensive national assessment on environmental contamination and health impacts from ASGM

CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD Create awareness and disseminate information and educative materials related to the danger of mercury use among miners and the mining communities; Promote sustainability initiatives to protect socio- economic, environmental, and health potentials for current and future generations.

CONCLUSION The need for continued collaborative partnership with relevant Government organizations for an integrated approach to ensure the sustainable development of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Nigeria The need for introduction and adoption of cost effective and environment friendly technologies, aimed at significant reduction/elimination of mercury’s use and pollution of the Nigerian and global environment with mercury.