Expression of Interest - Details
- Eoi Name:
- Consultant to Conduct Detailed Ore Characterization
- Pack #:
- GR/EPAUNDP/CS/0006/23
- Post Date:
- 27th September, 2023
- Submit Date:
- 19th October, 2023
- Tender Cat:
- Consultancy Services
- Agency:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Industry:
- General
- Description:
- The Government of Ghana (GoG) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) with support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), is implementing the “Advancing Formalization and Mercury-free Gold in Ghana”. The planetGOLD Project aims to minimize the risks posed by mercury use in the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector by improving sound chemicals management and eliminating pollution hazards, while improving financial inclusion and transition to the formal economy. The project aims to strengthen national and jurisdictional capacity to enhance Ghana's compliance with the Minamata Convention in accordance with national environmental and formalization policies supporting global platforms on mercury reductions, responsible supply chains and mineral resource governance.
The overall objective of the project will be achieved by delivering the following four complementary outcomes:
Outcome 1: Optimizing Formalization through Jurisdictional Approaches (JAs)
Outcome 2: Accelerating Financial Inclusion and Responsible Supply Chains
Outcome 3: Enhancing the Uptake of Mercury-free Technologies.
Outcome 4: Fostering Knowledge Sharing and Local Capacity Building Support
The project is being implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with UNDP and UNIDO and in close collaboration with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, NGOs and the private sector over a period of five (5) years (2022-2027).
The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector plays a significant role in many countries, but its informal and unregulated nature poses challenges for sustainable development and environmental management. The existing categorization of mining operations as prescribed by the existing legal framework has been recognized as a barrier to formalization as indicated in the National Action Plan (NAP) on ASGM. Co-existence of ASM-LSM has been found to generate conflict as a result of access to land and control over mineral deposits and right to mine.
In Ghana, ASGM stakeholder engagement has evolved from forced eviction (exclusionary approaches) to more inclusive strategies, including dialogue, cohabitation (e.g., non-competitive arrangements, often fragile and short-lived) to robust coexistence models where mutually beneficial agreements are operationalized with potential to improve mining practices, de-risk operations and invest in sustainable livelihood programs, as prescribed by the provisions of the Community Mining Scheme (CMS).
To better understand the categories of mining operations and challenges faced by miners due to cohabitation, the PlanetGold Project is seeking the services of a consultant to assess and define the specific categories of ASGM operations in the Tier 1 project pilot sites. The consultant will be responsible for developing main and summarized reports that provide clear definitions and descriptions of these categories.
The Consultant will be required to classify the different levels of ASM operations at the district level in order to create incentives for improved organization and permitting. The activity will also review relevant portions of legislation related to categories of mining operations and ASM-LSM co-existence. Relevant stakeholders expected to be consulted include the Environmental Protection Agency, Minerals Commission, Municipal and District Assemblies, District Mining Committees (DMCs), GNASSM, Traditional authorities, and CSOs in designated mining areas.
The EPA now invites consultancy firm (s) to express interest in the following.
Consultant to Conduct Detailed Ore Characterization to Identify Mineralogy and Metallurgical Properties of Gold Ore and Design a Gender Responsive Mercury-Free Processing and Extraction Methods for Selected ASGM Sites.
- Source of Funds:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Region:
- Greater Accra
- District:
- Accra Metropolitan District
- Contact Person:
- The Chairman, Entity Tender Committee Environmental Protection Agency P O. Box M326 Starlet 91Street, Ministries Second Floor Room Number 207 Greater Accra, Ghana
- Email :
- lovelace.sarpong@epa.gov.gh
- Tel :
- 0501301522
- Fax :
- Website:
- www.info@epa.gov.gh
- Additional Info:
- Download File