Gold for Good study finds mercury in 94% of Savannah mining soil

An EU-funded study under the Gold for Good (G4G) Project has identified severe environmental contamination in small-scale mining communities across Ghana's Savannah Region. Research conducted in the West Gonja, Bole, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba districts revealed that nearly all soil samples tested contained dangerous levels of cadmium and mercury. These heavy metals pose significant health threats to residents, with the report highlighting that mercury levels in approximately 94% of samples were beyond acceptable safety guidelines, creating a particular risk for children in the area.

The findings illustrate a stark contrast between economic gain and environmental safety. While mining households reported incomes nearly six times higher than those in non-mining communities, the industry remains largely informal and unregulated. The study discovered that a mere 2.92% of miners in the region hold valid licenses, and roughly 74% of people involved in the sector are unaware of existing mining regulations. This lack of oversight has contributed to the widespread soil pollution found during the project's testing phase.

Beyond environmental concerns, the research identified significant security and social challenges. The absence of effective state enforcement along the Black Volta border has led to frequent conflicts, forcing traditional leaders to intervene in matters typically handled by the government. Additionally, the study noted that vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and migrant miners, are systematically excluded from decision-making processes, with women largely relegated to the lowest-paying jobs in the mining value chain.

In response to these findings, officials are calling for improved regulation and stronger collaboration between the government, local communities, and traditional authorities. The next phase of the Gold for Good Project aims to use this data to advocate for more responsible mining practices. Authorities emphasize that including women and youth in future planning is essential to addressing the systemic regulatory gaps and safety hazards currently facing the Savannah Region's mining sector.