Marcello Veiga, a metallurgical engineer, is a Canadian expert in pioneering techniques to reduce and later eradicate mercury in artisanal gold mining. With a vast background in academia and research, he has made significant contributions to the field, boasting over 300 publications. Marcello’s work has taken him across the globe; he has actively participated in over 65 international projects related to these subjects, collaborating with governments, universities, international agencies, NGOs, and mining companies in various countries in Asia, Africa and South America.
As a consultant for the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) initiative, Marcello works alongside Nigeria’s Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Their collective goal is to develop the capacity of artisanal miners and facilitate their transition to alternative, mercury-free extraction methods. This transition seeks to improve socioeconomic outcomes for miners and the communities affected by mining operations. Marcello will lead this initiative, focusing on developing capacity through adult education, an immersive learning methodology encompassing comprehensive training, personalized coaching, and effective mentoring.
Based in Vancouver, Marcello serves as a Professor Emeritus, at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia, utilizing his expertise to address socio-environmental issues in the mining industry. His primary research focused on replacing mercury and cyanide in artisanal gold mining operations, using cyanogenic plants and other alternative lixiviants. He has an MSc in environmental geochemistry and a PhD in mineral processing.