Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Nigeria: Recommendations to Address Mercury and Lead Exposure

This assessment examines the legal and policy challenges underpinning the informal artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector in Nigeria. The assessment presents legal, institutional, and financial recommendations designed to improve long-term health and environmental outcomes from the ASGM process. These recommendations are intended to accelerate the formalization of artisanal miners in order to encourage the development and dissemination of best mining practices. They are anchored in a general framework designed to incentivize formalization, decentralize the cooperative and licensing process, facilitate miner communication and education, and encourage coordination among stakeholders.