ANNEX IV

national objectives and reduction targets to eliminate the use of mercury and mercury compounds;

actions to eliminate:

steps to facilitate the formalization or regulation of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing sector;

baseline estimates of the quantities of mercury used and the practices employed in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing within its territory;

strategies for promoting the reduction of emissions and releases of, and exposure to, mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing, including mercury-free methods;

strategies for managing trade and preventing the diversion of mercury and mercury compounds from both foreign and domestic sources to use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing;

strategies for involving stakeholders in the implementation and continuing development of the national plan;

a public health strategy on the exposure of artisanal and small-scale gold miners and their communities to mercury which shall include, inter alia, the gathering of health data, training for health-care workers and awareness-raising through health facilities;

strategies to prevent the exposure of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women of child-bearing age, especially pregnant women, to mercury used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and processing;

strategies for providing information to artisanal and small-scale gold miners and affected communities; and

a schedule for the implementation of the national plan.