Abstract
This report belngs to the first phase of a UNIDO project focusing on the government's developing target to phase out or at least reduce the use of mercury in artisanal and small mining opeations. During this phase, an environmental and human health impact assessment should be realised, prior to the introduction of efficient equipment for mineral processing and recycling of mercury. The project will help the Ghanian government in brinding the technological gap fron which the sub-sector is sufferong, and in introducing environemental management and cleaner production currrently unknown to the rural population. Thus human health and safety should be improved for people involved in this activity. The project should be also help to improve the current skill in analytical methodologies.