Reduction of pollution of the Congo River via its tributaries (Elila, Ulindi and Lualaba) by promoting alternatives to mercury and cyanide in gold mining in South Kivu and Maniema

The initiative is part of an education, information, training and awareness campaign for mining communities along the tributaries of the Congo River in South Kivu and Maniema on the negative effects of using chemicals (mercury and cyanide) in gold mining related to human health, aquatic biodiversity, soil and water, as well as air. It also provides for the popularization of an alternative technology based on the use of retorts and other practices for recovering gold without resorting to the aforementioned pollutants. The initiative aims to inform, train and raise awareness among the general public about the health, ecological and environmental consequences and the possibility of developing suitable alternatives that are accessible to users of mercury and cyanide, as well as their non-restrictive use.

The expected results of the initiative are:

• The mining communities of the Elila–Ulindi–Lualaba basins understand the health and environmental risks associated with mercury and cyanide.
• Local stakeholders are trained in the use of retorts and clean alternative techniques.
• Local stakeholders recognize their environmental responsibilities.
• Measurable reduction of mercury and cyanide use at targeted sites.
• Reduction of chemical discharges into the tributaries of the Congo River.
• Progressive adoption of safer and more sustainable mining practices.
• Reduction of the exposure of aquatic ecosystems in the Congo River to chemical pollution.
• Improving the health of riparian and mining communities.

Contribution to the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and water resources