Robert Muggah (@muggah.bsky.social)

The economic logic for investing in formalized gold processing plants is compelling. The World Gold Council found that shared plants can cut mercury use by up to 95%, boost gold recovery by 40%, and create job opportunities beyond extraction. They can also facilitate traceability and tax collection. But good intentions alone are insufficient. Building and maintaining these facilities requires regulatory clarity, technical expertise and capital. That is a tall order in many of the 80 countries where artisanal and small-scale gold mining thrives, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/formalizing-small-scale-gold-mining-can-reduce-environmental-impacts-crime-commentary/amp/