Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) remains one of the most complex yet vital segments of the global gold industry supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to national economies, especially in gold-rich countries like Ghana. Yet the sector has long grappled with informal practices, environmental degradation, illicit trading activities and health hazards most notably from dust pollution and the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury in gold processing.
Recognising these realities, the World Gold Council has prioritised collaborations that help integrate artisanal gold into formal, responsibly governed value chains that emphasise environmental stewardship, traceability, and miner welfare.
On Wednesday January 7, 2026, World Gold Council (WGC) and Commodity Monitor Limited held a high-level strategic engagement on ASM formalisation and sustainable mercury-free gold processing technologies at the company’s office in Accra. In attendance were the Chief Executive officer of WGC, David Tait, General Counsel of WGC, Haydn Main, Head of Middle East and Public Policy of WGC, Andrew Naylor, Senior Adviser of WGC, Edward Bickham, and Executives of Commodity Monitor Ltd led by its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stephen Yeboah.
Discussions centered on strengthening ASGM formalisation and the role of sustainable mercury-free gold processing technologies in enhancing gold traceability, responsible supply chains, and streamlining ASGM operations to ensure they are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive.
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World Gold Council and Commodity Monitor Ltd hold discussions on ASGM Formalisation & Sustainable Mercury-Free Gold Processing Technologies
January 8, 2026
by Moses Atta
0
Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) remains one of the most complex yet vital segments of the global gold industry supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to national economies, especially in gold-rich countries like Ghana. Yet the sector has long grappled with informal practices, environmental degradation, illicit trading activities and health hazards most notably from dust pollution and the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury in gold processing.
Recognising these realities, the World Gold Council has prioritised collaborations that help integrate artisanal gold into formal, responsibly governed value chains that emphasise environmental stewardship, traceability, and miner welfare.
On Wednesday January 7, 2026, World Gold Council (WGC) and Commodity Monitor Limited held a high-level strategic engagement on ASM formalisation and sustainable mercury-free gold processing technologies at the company’s office in Accra. In attendance were the Chief Executive officer of WGC, David Tait, General Counsel of WGC, Haydn Main, Head of Middle East and Public Policy of WGC, Andrew Naylor, Senior Adviser of WGC, Edward Bickham, and Executives of Commodity Monitor Ltd led by its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stephen Yeboah.
Discussions centered on strengthening ASGM formalisation and the role of sustainable mercury-free gold processing technologies in enhancing gold traceability, responsible supply chains, and streamlining ASGM operations to ensure they are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive.
Senior Adviser on ASM for the WGC, Edward Bickham highlighted the Council’s international efforts in the global gold industry in promoting responsible gold purchase progams by central banks, ASGM formalization and traceability initiatives, and the development of centralised processing plants to reduce environment impact, improve recovery rates and eliminate the use of mercury in the ASGM gold value chain.
Mr. Stephen Yeboah CEO of Commodity Monitor Ltd on his part highlighted the significance of the company’s mercury-free processing technology in enhancing traceability efforts in the gold supply chain. He further noted that “introducing these technologies is not just about improving efficiency but it’s about redefining ASGM from a being source of environmental harm into a driver of sustainable development”.
Traditionally, artisanal miners have relied on mercury to recover gold, a toxic process that can contaminate air, water, and soil, jeopardising human health and the ecosystem. Ghana, like many countries, is a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to eliminate mercury use in artisanal mining.
By leveraging technology and improved institutional frameworks, WGC and Commodity Monitor Ltd aim to ensure that ASGM activities are formalized, economically viable and environmentally friendly that benefit miners, local communities, national economies, and the global supply chain.
Traditionally, artisanal miners have relied on mercury to recover gold, a toxic process that can contaminate air, water, and soil, jeopardising human health and the ecosystem. Ghana, like many countries, is a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to eliminate mercury use in artisanal mining.
By leveraging technology and improved institutional frameworks, WGC and Commodity Monitor Ltd aim to ensure that ASGM activities are formalized, economically viable and environmentally friendly that benefit miners, local communities, national economies, and the global supply chain.
About Commodity Monitor Limited
Commodity Monitor Limited (CML) is a Ghanaian company into trading, logistics and research across the commodity value chain. CML is a registered Mine Support Service Company providing responsible mining solutions, equipment and technical support mostly for artisanal, small and medium scale mining operators. CML is the leading supplier of integrated eco-friendly and mercury-free gold processing technology in Ghana and across Africa. The mineral processing technology ensures higher recovery (80-90%) and productivity, and eliminates the use of toxic chemicals like mercury in the entire gold processing chain. The company’s approach combines technology, training, and data to drive safe, profitable, and sustainable gold production.