Annex IV Content of the national plan on artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing referred to in Article 9

The national plan shall include the following information:

1. (a)

   national objectives and reduction targets to eliminate the use of mercury and mercury compounds;

2. (b)

   actions to eliminate:

   1. (i)

      whole ore amalgamation;

   2. (ii)

      open burning of amalgam or processed amalgam;

   3. (iii)

      burning of amalgam in residential areas; and

   4. (iv)

      cyanide leaching in sediment, ore or tailings to which mercury has been added without first removing the mercury;

3. (c)

   steps to facilitate the formalization or regulation of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing sector;

4. (d)

   baseline estimates of the quantities of mercury used and the practices employed in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing within its territory;

5. (e)

   strategies for promoting the reduction of emissions and releases of, and exposure to, mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing, including mercury-free methods;

6. (f)

   strategies for managing trade and preventing the diversion of mercury and mercury compounds from both foreign and domestic sources to use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing;

7. (g)

   strategies for involving stakeholders in the implementation and continuing development of the national plan;

8. (h)

   a public health strategy on the exposure of artisanal and small-scale gold miners and their communities to mercury which shall include, inter alia, the gathering of health data, training for health-care workers and awareness-raising through health facilities;

9. (i)

   strategies to prevent the exposure of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women of child-bearing age, especially pregnant women, to mercury used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing;

10. (j)

    strategies for providing information to artisanal and small-scale gold miners and affected communities; and

11. (k)

    a schedule for the implementation of the national plan.