The Global Environment Facility (GEF), developed by the Liberian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by the African Development Bank Group, has approved an innovative project to dramatically reduce mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
With a USD 7.67 million loan from the GEF and an additional USD 24.57 million co-finance from the World Bank Group, the project will contribute to building a safer, cleaner and more sustainable gold mining sector in Liberia.
The initiative marks Liberia’s participation in the planetGOLD programme, a global initiative supported by GEF that is already helping more than 20 countries reduce mercury usage while improving environmental health and livelihoods. This project advances planetGOLD’s global strategy, which focuses on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding financial inclusion, promoting mercury-free technologies, and fostering partnerships across governments, communities, and the private sector.
It also builds on the African Development Bank’s institutional support for Strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Reform Implementation projects, contributing to improved transparency and governance in Liberia’s mining sector.
“This is a powerful example of programmatic progress,” said Anthony Nyong, Bank Group Director for Climate Change and Green Growth. “The foundation established through the institutional support of the African Development Bank is now being expanded into full-scale environmental and socio-economic transformation of Liberia’s mining sector. This proves that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.”
“Approval of this project is an important milestone in our efforts to reduce mercury pollution around the world,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chair of the Global Environment Facility. “By supporting a comprehensive approach that combines policy reform, technology and community engagement, we are helping Liberia lead the way to a cleaner, safer and more sustainable gold mining sector.”
“This approval is a major victory for Liberia’s people and environment,” said Liberia EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Yury Yarkupawolo. “By tackling the roots of mercury pollution, we are protecting miners, protecting rivers and forests, and building a cleaner and more prosperous gold mining sector. This project brings Liberia closer to a future where economic growth and environmental protection work together to achieve NDC 3.0.”
Mercury pollution from gold mining poses serious risks to human health, water sources, soils and ecosystems across Liberia. The largely informal nature of artisanal mining also contributes to deforestation, biodiversity loss and economic instability, with miners having limited access to formal markets and sustainable practices.
This project will deliver tangible benefits such as:
50 tons of mercury reduction over 5 years. Restoration of 10,000 hectares of degraded land. 148,000 tons of CO2 emissions avoided. Safe working conditions and improved livelihoods for 20,000 people, including 12,000 women.
Through formalization, access to finance, clean technology and community engagement, the project positions Liberia to fulfill its commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals on climate, health, biodiversity and decent work.
As part of the broader PlanetGOLD+ initiative, Liberia will gain from regional and global collaborations, including peer learning opportunities and access to a proven network of innovative practices in other GEF supporting countries. This collective approach will not only strengthen the scalability and sustainability of national efforts, but also accelerate global progress towards eliminating mercury from gold supply chains. This project is fully consistent with Liberia’s commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury and represents a vital step towards building a mercury-free gold sector that balances environmental stewardship with inclusive and sustainable economic development.
