Table 2.

Framework for assessing mercury-free gold processing technologies

Assessment category	Overarching questions
Properties of the ore	Are the technologies suitable for the different properties of ore being treated in the ASGM sector?
Operational requirements	Are the combined costs of the technologies affordable to the different categories of the miners/operations in ASGM?
Workflow and performance	How do technologies compare to the amalgamation process in terms of processing workflow, gold recovery rates, and ability to recover other minerals?
Local technical considerations	Do the technologies suit local needs in terms of the availability of the technology, required supplies and inputs, scalability, and adaptability requirements?
Health, safety, and environment	Does the recovery of gold using the individual technologies pose any health, safety, and environmental risks?