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Monday, 03 June 2024
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03 JUNE 2024
Master of Ceremonies: Ludovic Bernaudat | Head, Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00-10:15 - Aplaya Pavilion
Greetings from the host government followed by opening remarks from the Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Global Environment Facility, and UN Environment Programme
Speakers:
- Joselin Marcus E. Fragada | Undersecretary for Field Operations - Mindanao, Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- Monika Stankiewicz | Executive Secretary, Minamata Convention on Mercury
- Anil Sookdeo | Chemicals & Waste Focal Area Coordinator / Senior Environmental Specialist, Global Environment Facility
- Ludovic Bernaudat | planetGOLD Programme Manager / Head, Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme
Miner Fireside Chat on Finance and Formal Supply Chains
10:15-11:15 - Aplaya Pavilion
Artisanal and small-scale gold miners who are participants of the planetGOLD programme engage in a dynamic discourse that explores the multifaceted landscape of financial accessibility and formal supply chains. This is an opportunity for miners to exchange insights on challenges in access to finance, collaborating with banks, and navigating formal supply chains.
Moderators:
- Blessing Hungwe | DELVE Coordinator
Speakers:
- Dan Omondi Odida | Artisanal Miner, Migori County, Kenya
- Edward Ssenfuma | Executive Director, Kitumbi Kayonza Mining Association, Uganda
- Sandoli Dabire | President, Miners Cooperative, Burkina Faso
- Wellington Takavarasha | CEO, Zimbabwe Miners Federation
—— 11:15-11:30 - Coffee Break ——
Solutions Lab: Financing Models in planetGOLD Countries
11:30-12:45 - Aplaya Pavilion
This session will explore three different financing models implemented in some of the planetGOLD countries, analyzing how they achieved the establishment of ASGM finance options, describing the main milestones, and discussing the challenges faced from the different contexts, all from the perspective of the implementing teams and complemented with internal discussions. The session will cover: savings strategies and credit facilities in partnership with allied financial institutions, pre-financing options through purchase agreements, and savings and credit alternatives originated from the communities.
Moderators:
- Candice Jumwa | The Impact Facility
- Marcin Piersiak | Alliance for Responsible Mining
Speakers:
- Dulguun Mijiddorj | National Investment Specialist, planetGOLD Mongolia
- Elena ("Meggy") Diaz Katigbak | Gender and Investment Specialist, planetGOLD Philippines
- Juan Fernando Céspedes | Cooperativa Financiera Colombia
- Pablo Grijalva | Central Bank of Ecuador
- Saidou Kabre | National Project Manager, planetGOLD Burkina Faso
—— 12:45-14:00 - Lunch ——
Photo Contest
12:45-14:00 - Exhibit Area
As a wide range of stakeholders come together to exchange knowledge, this photo contest will help provide a visual representation of the important issues at hand. Through imagery depicting the people, places and elements that are impacted by ASGM, attendees will be reminded of what is at stake – and who stands to benefit from the strategies being discussed.
There will be two rounds of voting. The first round of voting was online in May, and was open to anyone to vote.
The final round of voting takes place in person at the Global Forum on ASGM event from 12:45-14:00 in the Exhibit Area at the Club Balai Isabel. In-person attendees will view the 5 finalist photos and cast their vote for the winning photo.
Simultaneous parallel sessions:
Parallel Session A: ASGM Capitalization – Financiers' Perspectives
14:00-15:00 - Aplaya Pavilion
This roundtable session will examine ASGM investment mechanisms developed by financiers and provide a platform to share their real-world experiences providing capital to artisanal and small-scale miners. The session will profile successful approaches while also highlighting potential pitfalls. The objective is to highlight sector strategies that can be successful across jurisdictions, as well as effective risk mitigation activities, from the ASGM financier perspective.
Moderator:
- Rene Roger Tissot | Executive Director, Artisanal Gold Council
Speakers:
- David McEvoy | Head of ASM Financial Inclusion Unit, Trust Merchant Bank, DRC
- David Sturmes | Director of Business Innovaiton and Fundraising, The Impact Facility
- Erizelle Linaban | Central Bank of the Philippines
- Juan Fernando Céspedes | CFA Cooperativa Financiera, Colombia
- Paulo Velásquez | Product Research and Development Expert, BanEcuador
. . . . .
Parallel Session B: Women Rising – Innovative Solutions For Women By Women to Increase Incomes in Artisanal Mining Communities
14:00-15:00 - Taal Pavilion
Research has highlighted how artisanal gold mining is a lucrative sector for women, often paying significantly more than any other income generating activity. Despite this, women face significant obstacles including being paid less than male counterparts for the same task, lack of access to mine sites or fair gold pricing, and a lack of stable income required to maintain their households. This roundtable discussion will examine how across the globe, women in planetGOLD implementing countries have been creatively adapting to their circumstances to increase and ensure more stable livelihoods from the sector.
Moderator:
- Blessing Hungwe | DELVE Coordinator
Speakers:
- Andrea Ravines | Microfinance Specialist, planetGOLD Peru
- Diana Cabrera | Gender Specialist, planetGOLD Ecuador
- Elena ("Meggy") Diaz Katigbak | Gender and Investment Specialist, planetGOLD Philippines
- Eve Sanou | Quality, Health and Safety Engineer, planetGOLD Burkina Faso
- Rose Nakawuma | Finance Expert, planetGOLD Uganda
—— 15:00-15:30 - Coffee Break ——
Addressing Criminality and Human Rights Issues in ASGM Flows
15:30-16:30 - Aplaya Pavilion
Illegal mining is associated with a number of negative environmental and social impacts. The involvement of criminal networks exacerbates negative impacts, has human rights implications, and poses a barrier to achieving development aims in the sector. The transnational dimension of associated illegal gold and financial flows also poses challenges for law enforcement. This session will focus on discussing cases, experiences and trends related to criminal networks in the gold mining sector, with a focus on enforcement challenges and ways to overcome them.
Moderator:
- Marcena Hunter | Thematic Lead on Extractives, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Speakers:
- Gisselle Vila Benites | Doctoral Researcher in Geography, Clark University
- Mukasiri Sibanda | Coordinator, Stop the Bleeding Consortium
- Yuki Nakamura | Associate Programme Officer, Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Closure of Day 1
16:30-17:00 - Aplaya Pavilion
Closing remarks reflecting on the day’s discussions and announcement of photo contest results
Speaker:
- Monika Stankiewicz | Executive Secretary, Minamata Convention on Mercury
04 JUNE 2024
Master of Ceremonies: Rodica Ella Ivan | Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO
Miner Fireside Chat on Formalization and Technology
9:00-10:15 - Aplaya Pavilion
This engaging dialogue is an opportunity for miners associated with the planetGOLD programme to share insights on overcoming obstacles in the realm of technology adoption and the formalization process. Miners will address the intricacies of technology accessibility, and shed light on the benefits, triumphs, and even challenges associated with formalizing their operations. The collaborative conversation serves as a valuable platform for miners to collectively learn, adapt, and celebrate achievements in the dynamic landscape of technology utilization and formalization within their industry.
Moderators:
- Dian Anggraeni | DELVE Coordinator
- Manuel Reinoso | DELVE Coordinator
Speakers:
- Edgar Pillajo | Artisanal Miner - Nueva Unión, Ecuador
- Gil Indino | President, National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners, Philippines
- Gilson Cambiom | Cooperativa do Garimpeiros do Vale do Rio Peixoto, Brazil
- María Reyes | President, Board of Directors, National Women's Network Mape of Peru
- Narantugs Norov | Chairman, Artisanal and Small-scale Mining National Federation of Mongolia
Technology Fair: Approaches to Support Mercury-Free Gold Production
10:15-11:30 - Aplaya Pavilion
This session will focus on technical challenges faced by planetGOLD country projects in achieving efficient mercury-free gold recovery, and the solutions implemented to overcome them. Presenters will describe the challenges encountered, and then demonstrate (with the use of photos, video and diagrams) the solutions, which include the use of appropriate techniques and process flows. A panel including miners will react to each presentation, pose questions, and discuss the applicability of the featured solutions to their own circumstances.
Moderator:
- Ludovic Bernaudat | planetGOLD Programme Manager / Head, Knowledge and Risk Unit, UNEP Chemicals & Health Branch
Speakers:
- Douglas Kao | Global Operations Manager, Artisanal Gold Council
- Franco Arista | Project Director, planetGOLD Peru
- German Marquinez | Project Coordinator, planetGOLD Colombia
- Saïdou Kabré | National Project Manager, planetGOLD Burkina Faso
Panelists:
- Manuel Reinoso | DELVE Coordinator
- Joseph Jr. S. Patil-ao | President, Northern Sagada Barangay Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc.
- Sandoli Dabire | President, Miners Cooperative, Burkina Faso
—— 11:30-11:45 - Coffee Break ——
Simultaneous parallel sessions:
Parallel Session A: Models for Cooperation Between Large Scale Mining and ASGM
11:45-12:45 - Aplaya Pavilion
The relationship between industrial scale gold mining and ASGM is often depicted as one fraught with conflict. However, new models of coexistence between these gold industry actors are emerging. This session will showcase existing examples of cooperation between large-scale entities and small-scale gold miners and will touch on plans for future collaboration in select planetGOLD countries.
Moderator:
- Edward Bickham | Senior Adviser, World Gold Council
Speakers:
- Eduard Cornew | Co-Founder & President, Mwamba Mining
- Mauricio Winkelried | Program Manager for Responsible ASM, Solidaridad Latin America
- William Leshilo | Government Relations and Community Business Partner, AngloGold Ashanti
. . . . .
Parallel Session B: Minamata National Action Plans: Strategies to Protect Vulnerable People
11:45-12:45 - Taal Pavilion
Development of National Action Plans (NAPs) for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a requirement under the Minamata Convention on Mercury for each Party that determines that ASGM and processing in its territory is more than insignificant. Up to date 30 countries have developed and presented its NAP to the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention. The NAP document paves a road for country-wide strategies to transform the ASGM into cleaner and more responsible sector. This session will examine the link between countries NAPs, with a special focus on strategies to prevent exposure of vulnerable populations – women, children, indigenous communities and other disadvantaged groups – and the interventions under the planetGOLD country projects.
Moderators:
- Malgorzata Stylo | Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP Chemicals & Health Branch
- Richard Gutierrez | Programme Management Officer for National Reporting, Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Speakers:
- Benson Thomas | President, Amerindian Peoples Association, Guyana
- Diana Cabrera | Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Gender Approach, Ecuador Chemicals Program
- Gloria Langbayan | Sagada Municipal Office, Philippines
- Lynn Gitu | Project Manager, planetGOLD Uganda
—— 12:45-14:00 - Lunch ——
Simultaneous parallel sessions:
Parallel Session A: Taxation and ASGM
14:00-15:00 - Aplaya Pavilion
Formalizing ASGM supply chains at both the producer and exporter level remains one of the great challenges facing producer countries. A country’s fiscal regime can play a decisive role in spurring either formalization or illegality, depending on the mix of policies adopted. How can the fiscal regime best be tailored to spur formalisation and discourage illegal gold exports? How can the need to keep exporters and miners within the system be balanced with governments equally legitimate need to raise revenue from their ASM gold flows? By delving into specific cases, sharing experiences, and identifying emerging trends, this discussion will highlight the enforcement challenges faced by authorities in addressing illicit activities in the ASGM sector. Additionally, the session will explore potential strategies and solutions to overcome these challenges, paving the way for more effective taxation and regulatory frameworks that discourage tax evasion and promote the contribution of the ASGM sector to a more sustainable economic development.
Moderator:
- Shawn Blore | Independent Researcher, ASGM supply chains
Speakers:
- David McEvoy | Head of ASM Financial Inclusion Unit, Trust Merchant Bank, DRC
- Gavin Hilson | Chair & Professor of Sustainability in Business, University of Surrey
- Marcena Hunter | Thematic Lead on Extractives, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
- Mukasiri Sibanda | Consultant, Tax Justice Network Africa
. . . . .
Parallel Session B: Addressing Biodiversity Impacts of ASGM
14:00-15:00 - Taal Pavilion
The objective of this session is to explore the ecological consequences of ASGM and identify potential solutions for mitigating its adverse effects on biodiversity. The session will shed light on the intricate connections between ASGM activities and biodiversity loss, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues. Participants will engage in discussions surrounding innovative and sustainable approaches to minimize the environmental footprint of ASGM, seeking a balance between economic development and the preservation of biodiversity.
Moderator:
- Luis Fernández | Executive Director Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA) / Research Professor at Wake Forest University
Speakers:
- Bemmy Granados and Max Yamauchi Levy | EcoAgriculture Partners (pre-recorded)
- Claudia Vega | Mercury Programme Coordinator, CINCIA
- Malgorzata Stylo | Asociate Programme Management Officer, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Rocky Marcelino | Senior Manager of Monitoring and Evaluation, Conservation International
- Tatenda Mapooze | Mining and Minerals Technical Officer, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA)
—— 15:00-15:30 - Coffee Break ——
Turning the Tide of Opinion on Responsible ASGM
15:30-16:45 - Aplaya Pavilion
This discussion will address the need for collective, coordinated efforts to "complicate the narrative" about ASGM, overcoming one-sided negative perspectives by helping people see a way forward to a more responsible mining sector. The session will explore how to engender greater support among financiers, government officials, local community members, gold buyers, conscious consumers, the media and other influential groups for supporting miners to eliminate mercury and promote responsible mining.
Moderator:
- Gabriela Flores Zavala | Communications Specialist and Senior Associate, International Institute for Environment & Development (IIED)
Speakers:
- Charles Espinosa | Writer and Researcher
- David Alcántara Irías | ASM Unit Head, Instituto Hondureño de Geología y Minas
- Dawn Po Quimque | Communication Specialist, planetGOLD Philippines
- Jennis Warren | Fundraising Strategist, Amazon Aid
- Robert Donofrio | Founder & CEO, Futura Jewelry
Closure of Day 2 and Overview of Day 3
16:45-17:00 - Aplaya Pavilion
Closing remarks and instructions to prepare for Day 3 workshops
Speaker:
- Susan Keane | planetGOLD Global Coordinator
05 JUNE 2024
Master of Ceremonies: Jie Pan | Regional Technical Specialist, UNDP
Welcome and Explanation of Workshops
9:00-9:30 - Aplaya Pavilion
This session will provide an overview of the subsequent Practicum Workshops, which include three hypothetical scenario exercises asking participants to draw on what was learned during days 1 and 2. Participants will be organized into pre-assigned groups based on common language. Each Practicum group will be given a scenario and asked to suggest approaches and interventions for addressing challenges related to issues such as access to finance, international standards, technology transfer, women's engagement, and more.
*Download all scenarios using the links below
English: Practicum Workshop Scenarios
French: Scénarios d'ateliers pratiques
Spanish: Escenarios de talleres de prácticas
Practicum Workshops
09:30-11:00 - Locations noted below
Participants will divide into pre-assigned groups based on common language to work on crafting approaches and interventions for addressing challenges related to formalization, finance, mercury-free technology, and other issues, based on given hypothetical ASGM scenarios.
- English Speaking Groups - Aplaya Pavilion
- Spanish Speaking Groups - Taal Pavilion
- French Speaking Group - Kasay Kasay Hall
—— 11:00-11:30 - Coffee Break ——
Report Back from Practicum Workshops
11:30-12:00 - Aplaya Pavilion
Practicum workshop leaders will provide succinct summaries of the discussion and recommendations made by each group for the hypothetical scenarios.
Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead
12:00-12:30 - Aplaya Pavilion
Reflections on discussions that have taken place, key opportunities identified, forward-looking remarks on what activities lie ahead for the planetGOLD programme, and formal closure of the 2024 Global Forum on ASGM
Speaker:
Anil Sookdeo | Chemicals & Waste Focal Area Coordinator / Senior Environmental Specialist, Global Environment Facility
—— 12:30-13:30 - Lunch ——
Regional Networking Meetings
14:00-16:00 - Locations noted below
Following the formal closure of the 2024 Global Forum on ASGM event, participants will be invited to attend informal regional networking meetings from 14:00-16:00. The goal of these meetings is to facilitate networking, spur meaningful dialogue on region-specific ASGM challenges, and foster collaborative approaches to advance responsible mining practices.
- Anglophone / English Speakers - Aplaya Pavilion
- LAC / Spanish Speakers - Taal Pavilion
- Francophone / French Speakers - Kasay Kasay Hall
