National Action Plans

Background

Development of National Action Plans (NAPs) for artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) is a requirement under the Minamata Convention on Mercury for each Party that determines that ASGM and processing in its territory is more than insignificant (Article 7).  Although each country’s NAP process will be unique, Annex C of the Minamata Convention provides a list of elements that must be included.

With funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNEP is supporting countries in the development of their NAPs by providing technical assistance and guidance in mercury-free technologies, formalization, baseline assessments, and other topics.

NAP projects around the world

NAP data visualization

To assess the wealth of information generated in the NAPs, the finalized documents have been reviewed and quantitative and qualitative data has been extracted.

Explore the data through interactive dashboard and stories. 

Guidance and tools to develop a NAP

Fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury adopted the updated guidance on developing a national action plan to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The updates include additional information on tailings management in ASGM and new available information on public health aspect. 

• National Action Plan guidance document
• Quick Start guide for NAP
• Template for National Action Plan

Guidance on developing the national overview of the ASGM sector

The development of a NAP requires a good understanding of the ASGM sector, to ensure effective strategies and to measure progress in implementation. This calls first for collection of data from ASGM sites in the field, as well as subsequent management and analysis of such data. UNEP, in collaboration with partners, has created a series of tools to assist with the development of the national overview of the ASGM sector and including data collection, management and analysis.

• ASGM baseline toolkit
• Mobile data collection tool
• MapX platform

Guidance on improving technical aspects of artisanal and small-scale gold mining

According to the Minamata Convention, each National Action Plan on artisanal and small-scale gold mining must include actions to eliminate four “worst” practices (Annex C). UNEP has developed a video presenting these “worst” practices and introducing better and best practices to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury in ASGM, as well as an online interactive guide on existing mercury-free practices, providing simple graphs, decision trees and illustrative success stories.

• Eliminating worst practices
• Illustrated guide to mercury free ASGM
• ASGM tailings management 

Guidance for setting formalization strategy

Formalization—the process of integrating ASGM into the formal economy, society, and regulatory system—is a critical step to address the challenges of the sector and support its development. The “Socio-economic research methodology” and the “Formalization handbook” provide solid knowledge and guidance to develop a formalization strategy under the NAP.

• Socio-economic research methodology
• Formalization handbook

Guidance for managing mercury trade under NAP

The guide provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on mercury supply, demand and trade. Furthermore, it aims to familiarize the reader with the provisions on mercury trade under the Minamata Convention. Finally, it suggests practical steps to understand mercury trade at the national level and recommends approaches to developing the National Action Plan strategy to manage the mercury trade in ASGM.

• Mercury trade for NAPs

Guidance for incorporating gender dimension into NAP

The guide summarizes and provides an overview of the key issues and recommendations for incorporating gender dimensions throughout the process and into strategic content of the NAP for ASGM.

• Gender guide for Chemicals Management, including ASGM NAPs
• Gender Quick start guide for NAPs

Lessons learned from the development of NAPs and other related documents

• Lessons learned from NAP projects in Africa
• Minamata COP3 side event
• Rapid environmental mercury assessment guidance 
• Remote Sensing in support of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining policy development, implementation and evaluation

WHO resources and guidelines for developing public health strategy for NAPs

• Developing public health strategies for ASGM  
• Step-by-step guide for developing a public health strategy for NAPs

Further assistance

In addition to developing tools and information materials, UNEP supports countries through the entire project duration of the NAPs, including through:

1. Expert recommendations    
2. Consultations and country-specific assistance    
3. Technical peer review of the NAP    
4. Regional workshop and capacity building

Wheel of Knowledge

Database and search tool that helps locate other information and guidance materials intended to build national capacity and provide examples of actions in the context of the National Action Plans thematic areas.