Listed in alphabetical order by given name
ANDREA RAVINES
Finance Specialist, planetGOLD Peru (UNDP Peru)
Andrea Ravines is a professional specialized in sustainable project management, with a solid trajectory in public sector institutions in Peru and international cooperation. She has experience in developing green credit products and financial mechanisms for sustainable value chains in the agricultural, forestry, and artisanal-small mining sectors. She is an Agronomist Engineer with a Master's degree in Biocommerce and Sustainable Development, with a high capacity to articulate synergies with public, private, and international stakeholders in favor of sustainable development. Andrea's personal motivation is to improve the competitiveness of base-of-the-pyramid sectors, contributing to economic, environmental, and social development.
ANIL SOOKDEO
Senior Environmental Specialist, Global Environment Facility
Anil Sookdeo is the GEF’s Coordinator for Chemicals and Waste and is a member of the GEF Leadership Team. He works towards a pollution free, zero waste future through supporting the GEF’s work on the implementation of the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. Anil is a national of Trinidad and Tobago and has worked in the field of environment and development for over 20 years.
BEMMY GRANADOS
Director of Innovation in Landscape Management, EcoAgriculture Partners
Bemmy leads efforts to advance integrated landscape management to promote sustainable land-use practices. She collaboratively develops capacity-building tools, training and learning modules, and relationships to accelerate and boost the good work of landscape partners and leaders across the globe. She facilitates a program of action research- conceiving and implementing transformative programs that promote multifunctional landscapes characterized by sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Bemmy has a Ph.D. in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy from the University of California Irvine’s School of Social Ecology, a joint M.S.E.S. in Ecology and M.P.A. in Environmental Policy from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of San Diego.
BLESSING HUNGWE
Delve Exchange Coordinator, English Speaking Africa Regions
Blessing Hungwe is a successful small-scale miner. Her strong leadership skills and passion for empowering women miners have resulted in her occupying various leadership position in women in mining associations and the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF). Blessing is a former vice president of ZMF, and founder and leader of the Women in Mining Association under the wings of the Ministry of Women, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises. She started as leader of the Guruve District Women in Mining Association and climbed the ladder to serve as the Mashonaland Central Province Women in Mining Association Chairperson and the Zimbabwe Women in Mining National Chairperson (2017- 2018). Blessing also served as SADC regional leader for the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA). Currently, Blessing is a Regional Knowledge Exchange Coordinator for Anglophone Africa for the Delve Exchange programme on artisanal and small-scale mining.
CANDICE JUMWA
Mining & Mineral Processing Engineer
Candice Jumwa is a Mining and Mineral Processing Engineer with three years of experience working at The Impact Facility (TIF) - a social enterprise founded in 2018 to drive artisanal and small-scale mines' professionalization in the gold and cobalt sector. In East Africa, Candice has operated as an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Assessor, conducting on-the-ground mine assessments and quality assurance - monitoring and evaluating artisanal gold mine conditions against The Impact Escalator, a set of stepped criteria which gradually progress a mine’s ESG practices towards TIFs and down-stream industry’s vision of best ESG performance in rural small-scale enterprises. Over the years, Candice has worked closely with artisanal gold and gemstone miners in Western and Eastern Kenya and is supporting The Impact Facility's work around the Fair Cobalt Alliance remotely. Candice also supports the development of financial services designed to bridge the gap between artisanal miners and formal finance. In her current role, Candice is focused on driving engagement with corporates and (impact) investors to forge blended-finance partnerships – across industries and supply chain tiers – seeking to address complex challenges through strategic collaboration. Candice applies her engineering background to co-develop ASM-centric tools and services and speak to artisanal miners' lived realities, enabling and incentivising the gradual adoption of improved and best practices by leveraging equipment financing.
CHARLIE ESPINOSA
Writer/Researcher
Charlie Espinosa is a researcher and writer specializing in gold mining in the Amazon basin. He is the lead author of Tracking Amazon Gold, a 50-page report covering impacts and solutions to gold mining in each Amazon country. He has published numerous articles about the gold value chain, including an ongoing series for Mongabay co-written with Charlie Lyons on such topics as indigenous rights, mining law, and the use of blockchain to trace gold. Charlie has worked with the NGOs Pure Earth to help Peruvian miners transition to cleaner techniques and Amazon Aid to support a multistakeholder network on Amazon gold mining.
CLAUDIA VEGA
Mercury Program Coordinator, CINCIA
Dr. Claudia Vega is the Mercury Program Coordinator at the Centro de Innovacion Cientifica Amazonica - CINCIA, an independent non-profit research center in Peru that studies the impact of Artisanal Gold Mining (ASM) on ecosystems and communities in the Amazon Region. With over 15 years of experience, her research primarily investigates the impacts of mercury exposure on both human and environmental health in the Amazon region, spanning Brazil and Peru. She is the founding director of CINCIA’s two Mercury and Environmental Chemistry Laboratories in Puerto Maldondo and Iquitos — the first and only labs of its kind in the Peruvian Amazon. Dr. Vega has spearheaded numerous collaborative research initiatives involving indigenous populations in the Amazon, including the Yanomami in Brazil and the Machiguenga in Peru. In her efforts to facilitate the integration of scientific insights into public policies that mitigate mercury-related risks, her work involves strategic engagements with health workers at the field level, consultations with high level government officials, and serving as an advisor to the United Nations Environmental Program, the World Health Organization and the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. She holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, a Masters of Public Heath, and a Bachelors Degree in Veterinary Medicine with a focus on wildlife.
DAN OMONDI ODIDA
National Chairman, Artisanal and Small Scale Miners Association of Kenya
Born and raised in Migori County Kenya with over 38 years experience in artisanal and small scale Gold Mining, Dan has a professional backgrounds in Psychological Counseling and Disaster Management. As the General Secretary of Micodepro Development Group and Flocert group contact person (2012 - 2017), he, together with Bishop Bismarck Onyando led Micodepro Miners to become the first and only Fair-trade Certified Kenyan ASGM Organisation. In September 2016, he was the key note speaker in the conferences for Fairtrade supporters in London, Glasgow and Bradford where he advertised and raised awareness for Faitrade Gold in the UK. October 2023, he represented Kenyan ASGM in the Minamata Cop 5 Global Conference in Geneva Switzerland. As the national Chairman of Artisanal and Small Scale Miners Association of Kenya (ASMAK), he has gathered and shared relevant experiences both internally and externally in the ASM industry for healthier, favourable and conducive mining environment. Dan is currently working with Kenyan ASGM groups that planetGOLD project in Kenya is supporting towards eliminating use of mercury in gold recovery.
DAVID ANTONIO ALCANTARA
ASM Unit Head, Instituto Hondureño de Geología y Minas
David has 19 years of experience in Honduras' mining sector as a senior government officer with the mining authority (INHGEOMIN) and with international organizations such as UNDP. His roles within INHGEOMIN have been diverse, including overseeing training and knowledge dissemination in geosciences, managing small-scale and artisanal mining projects, ensuring environmental and safety compliance, advising the National Congress on mining legislation, leading social development initiatives, and conducting environmental inspections. Additionally, on an international level, he has contributed significantly to UNDP projects aimed at strengthening national capacities for the environmentally sound management of chemical products in the mining sector, particularly addressing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
DAVID MCEVOY
Head of ASM Financial Inclusion Unit, Trust Merchant Bank
David McEvoy joined Trust Merchant Bank / TMB (DR Congo) in 2010 and has worked in the Bank’s CEO Office since then. TMB is a financial inclusion focused commercial bank operating across the DRC. David is a passionate advocate of the role the private sector can play in delivering cost effective, sustainable financial services in emerging and frontier economies. At TMB, David drafted the Bank's ASM financial inclusion strategy and developed the Bank's ASM financial inclusion unit. Prior to joining TMB David gained ten years of experience in capital markets positions within the European investment banking sector.
DAVID STURMES-VERBEEK
Co-Founder/Director of Business Innovation & Fundraising, The Impact Facility
David applies his background in value chain development and responsible resource governance to mobilise investment into the professionalisation of the artisanal and small-scale gold and cobalt mining sector across East and Central Africa. David has been involved in developing and launching the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), a multi-stakeholder action platform dedicated to uplifting artisanal mining communities in DR Congo. Focusing on recruiting new members and fundraising with donors and investors, David has helped build a thriving multi-stakeholder initiative counting 21 organisations across the global battery supply chain, pooling resources and expertise to meaningfully engage with the artisanal miners. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, David has built a team of mining engineers and finance experts that launched an equipment leasing offering targeting artisanal gold miners across Kenya. Having identified a lack of investment as one of the key reasons for the continued informality of the ASM sector, The Impact Facility looks at equipment leasing to ASM operators as an opportunity to catalyze socio-economic development across rural communities while creating a responsible source of minerals needed for a just and inclusive green energy transition. The first contracts have been fully repaid, and efforts to scale the programme in Tanzania have begun. Over the years, David got the opportunity to engage with artisanal miners, financial institutions, development practitioners, academics, and government stakeholders, informing a number of studies focussed on ASM market inclusion and access to finance, exploring the logistics of international gold aggregation, the potential applications, and viability of digital traceability solutions, as well as requirements for ASM-centric financial products.
DAWN PO QUIMQUE
Communication Specialist, planetGOLD Philippines Project (Artisanal Gold Council)
Dawn has a decade of experience in communications and media. She has worked on environmental issues ranging from campaigns on the reduction of mercury use in mining communities, and other consumer products, to the conservation and protection of marine environment through sustainable use of marine resources. Prior to joining environmental non-governmental organizations, Dawn is a researcher-producer and journalist in local media networks in the Philippines where she worked on different documentary and feature films on various socio-economic and environmental issues. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communication, and is currently taking her Master’s degree in Women and Development.
DIAN ANGGRAENI
Delve Exchange Coordinator, Southeast Asia & the Pacific
Dian has more than 23 years of experiences as community development specialist, civil society specialist, and governance specialist. Half of her experiences is related with mining sector. She is a trainer and a facilitator for capacity building with various of clients include village community, miners, CSO, and government staff/agencies. Dian is working in several provinces of Indonesia from Aceh to Papua. Dian also has experiences in working with international scope under DELVE Exchange Network Project and World Bank short term consultancy service.
DIANA CABRERA
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Gender Approach, Ecuador Chemicals Program
Diana is a Management and Leadership Engineer, Project Manager Professional (PMP) and Social Science Master Degree with focus on Gender and Development. She has managed to participate in six environmental and development projects with the international cooperation, regarding to biodiversity, chemicals, agriculture and sustainable tourism.
DOUGLAS KAO
Global Operations Manager, Artisanal Gold Council
Douglas Kao holds a B.A.Sc. in Mining Engineering from the University of British Columbia and has been engaged in the world of ASGM since 2019. He brings about a practical approach to problem-solving by drawing on industry experience from working at various Canadian mining operations in addition to his current work in the non-profit sector. A zealot of fieldwork and sustainable development, his primary role at the AGC involves the technical design, coordination, and management of establishing responsible gold extraction systems within ASGM communities. This has brought him internationally to project sites in Indonesia, Mongolia, and the Philippines. Douglas enjoys horseback riding and is fluent in English and Mandarin.
DULGUUN MIJIDDORJ
Investment Specialist, planetGOLD Mongolia (Artisanal Gold Council)
Dulguun has been working as the Investment Specialist for the planetGOLD Mongolia project since its inception in 2019 and started contributing to the project activities as a part-time consultant since March 2023. Before planetGOLD Mongolia, she had gained experience and knowledge in formalization, business development and gold supply chain in ASM working as an Economic Development Expert for the Sustainable Artisanal Mining project of the Swiss Development Agency in Mongolia. Working alongside the Mongolia project team, she ensures that ASGM partners comply with the CRAFT Code/planetGOLD criteria, promoting ethical and responsible practices. She also supports in improving miner capacity and assists in their integration into the official gold supply chain, most notably facilitating access to financial services for artisanal miners by establishing a savings and credit cooperative.
EDGAR PILLAJO GAVIDIA
Geologist, Ecuador
Edgar, a Consulting Geologist with a Master in Management, and PhD candidate, boasts 35 years of experience in the exploration of metallic minerals. Since 1984, he has served as a consultant for small, medium, and large companies, successfully attracting investments to Ecuador from Sant Joe, Newmont, Placer Dome, and Kinross. He is the author of the maps outlining the primary and alluvial gold potential in Ecuador, as well as the Iron and titanium potential along the Ecuadorian coastal strip. Edgar has penned influential books including "Mining at the Service of Ecuadorians" and "Ecuador Mining Country, Banana, Shrimper, Tourist, Farmer." His initiatives include proposing and implementing sustainable small-scale gold mining projects. As President of FUNGEOMINE for 30 years, he has provided technical assistance to small-scale gold mining in Ecuador in collaboration with CAPEMINE. Edgar is a respected member of the College of Geological Engineers of Ecuador (CIGMIPA) and the National Front for Mining, actively contributing since 1982.
EDWARD BICKHAM
Senior Adviser, World Gold Council
Edward Bickham is a Senior Adviser to the World Gold Council and leads its work on ASGM. He previously led the consultation processes for the development of the Conflict-Free Gold Standard and the Responsible Gold Mining Principles. He has been involved in the governance of several multi-stakeholder processes in the extractive sector including the EITI, the Cyanide Management Code and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. He is a former Global Head of External Affairs at diversified miner, Anglo American, responsible for corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement, government relations and political risk, human rights, anti-corruption and social performance. He is a former Special Adviser to the British Foreign and Home Secretaries and was involved in the launch of satellite television in the UK. He has a law degree from the University of Oxford.
EDUARD CORNEW
Co-founder and President, Mwamba Mining
Eduard Cornew is Co-founder and President of Mwamba Mining, a gold mining company based in Tanzania. Mwamba is dedicated to the development of gold mining assets, programs, and technologies that support the sustainable development of artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities (ASGM). Ed studied Economics and Human-Centered Design at Dartmouth College and spent two years as an Associate at Boston Consulting Group, where he specialized in technology strategy and investment due diligence.
EDWARD SSENFUMA
Managing Director of Kitumbi Kayonza Miners Association, Uganda
Edward Ssenfuma is the current Managing Director of Kitumbi Kayonza Miners Association in Uganda. His vast mining experience spans 25+ years that has moulded him into a seasoned Mining Entrepreneur. Edward has risen through the ranks over the years. He started as a miner in then Nabisoga Mining Company from 1990 to 2000 and then became the Mining Manager for Kisita Mining Company from 2001 – 2012. In 2012, Mr. Ssenfuma championed the mobilisation of a community of individual Artisanal Small-Scale Miners in Mubende District to form a Federation of Artisanal Small Scale Miners which led to the incorporation of a legitimate company; Kitumbi Kayonza Miners Association Limited. In 2014, the Company acquired three Location Licenses which are active to date. In 2016, he Teamed up with Estelle Levin Limited as a Consultant in the Training of Trainers workshop in Ethiopia in which he provided leadership awareness in mining safety; improvements in mine’s environmental responsibility and its impact in the community as well as how to increase efficiency of mining projects.
ELENA ("MEGGY") DIAZ KATIGBA
National Gender Specialist, planetGOLD Philippines (Artisanal Gold Council)
Meggy has been working in the international development sector for six (6) years focusing on issues surrounding development finance, gender justice, women's rights, and women's economic empowerment. She also produces music in line with her advocacy for women's rights and economic justice. She is currently taking her MA in Women and Development at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where her research focuses on institutional trauma and gender-based violence.
ERIZELLE N. LINABAN
Director Licensed Civil Engineer
Erizelle N. Linaban is a Licensed Civil Engineer and the Director of Mint And Refinery Operations (MROD) at Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas. MROD is in-charge of the production of coins and gold refining of gold received from accredited gold selling counterparties of the BSP, among other things. She is a member of the planetGOLD Project Management Commitee and a BSP representative for the LBMA Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Task Force.
EVE SANOU
Quality, Health, Safety & Environment Management Engineer, Burkina Faso
Eve SANOU is a Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) management engineer in Burkina Faso. She is certified as an auditor on the CRAFT code and PECB Lead Auditor ISO 9001; 2015. Additionally, she is a senior specialist in supply chain and due diligence. Her journey with the artisanal and small-scale mining sector began in 2014 when she met the Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina (AFEMIB) through its first president, Mrs. Aida Marie Rose TAMBOURA, whom she was to interview for her magazine, "Paysage minier du Faso." To pursue her dream in this sector, Eve SANOU enrolled in a Master's program in QHSE Management in 2018. In 2021, she obtained certification in quality management systems in Canada with PECB to become a Lead Auditor ISO 9001; 2015. In June 2023, she acquired a certificate in the CRAFT code from the Norm and Quality department of the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) in Colombia. Eve SANOU is currently the first woman certified in the CRAFT code in Burkina Faso and is part of the expert community on this standard.
FRANCO ARISTA
Project Manager, planetGOLD Peru (UNDP Peru)
Franco is an expert in small-scale mining and artisanal mining with 15 years of experience in the field. Previously, he served as the manager of the Mining Program for Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia at the Dutch Foundation "Solidaridad," and as the director of the "Oro Justo" project for the EU, focusing on mineral commercialization and traceability at the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Currently, he holds the position of Manager of the planetGOLD Peru Project for the United Nations Development Programme. Franco is also the co-founder of the startup "Alerta Minero" and the brain behind innovative initiatives such as the "Oro Justo" application and the "Qori" technological platform, designed to register gold commercial transactions. His remarkable achievements include winning the Grand Challenge for Artisanal Mining by Conservation X Labs (USAID). With a background in agricultural engineering and postgraduate studies in Environmental Engineering (UNALM) and international specialization in Mining Business Management (ESAN), Franco continues to expand his knowledge by pursuing a TECH MBA at UTEC and IE Business School, supported by the "Digital Economy" scholarship from the US government's International Visitor Leadership Program.
GABRIELA FLORES ZAVALA
Senior Associate, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Gabriela Flores Zavala is a senior strategic engagement and communications professional with 20+ years of experience in sustainable development and humanitarian assistance organisations, programmes and initiatives in Africa, Latin America, the UK and Europe. She specialises in participatory processes, stakeholder engagement, and multi-stakeholder initiatives, with a focus on artisanal and small-scale mining, ethical supply chains, due diligence and multi-stakeholder dialogue. She also has extensive experience in large-scale mining and in the renewable energy sector. Gabriela is a senior associate at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), where she is one of the leads in the Institute’s transition minerals programme. She has co-led artisanal and small-scale mining dialogues processes in Colombia, Honduras, Ghana, Tanzania and Madagascar.
GAVIN HILSON
Professor and Chair of Sustainability in Business, University of Surrey Business School
Gavin Hilson is Professor and Chair of Sustainability in Business and the University of Surrey Business School, United Kingdom. He is a global authority on the social and environmental impacts of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in sub-Saharan Africa, producing over 300 journal articles, book chapters and reports on this subject to date. Over the past two decades, Professor Hilson has consulted on various ASM issues for a variety of organizations in the private sector, civil society, and the donor communities, including the World Bank, Newmont Gold Mining, Rio Tinto, USAID, the IIED, UNECA and Gold Fields. He is chair of the steering committee of DELVE; is an executive board member of the NGO, IMPACT; a member of the Standards Committee of the Responsible Jewellery Council; on the Advisory Board of the GEF planetGOLD Project; and is founder and editor-in-chief of the international journal, The Extractive Industries and Society. Professor Hilson received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Toronto, and his PhD from Imperial College London.
GERMÁN MARQUÍNEZ CASAS
Project Manager, planetGOLD Colombia (UNDP Colombia)
Germán Marquínez Casas is a Geologist and a Specialist in financial and project management, with 30 years of experience in the geological-mining sector. He is currently the coordinator of the planetGOLD Colombia project, implemented by UNDP.
GIL NALZARO INDINO
President, National Coalition of Small Scale Miners of the Philippines
Gil Nalzaro Indino is a dedicated leader in the Philippine small-scale mining sector, currently serving as President of the National Coalition of Small Scale Miners of the Philippines, Inc. since 2021 and the Nabunturan Integrated Miners Development Cooperative since 2017. Born in Midsayap, North Cotabato, Gil has spent over four decades advancing the development of the small-scale mining community, focusing on sustainable practices and the welfare of miners. Before his current role, Gil led the Mindanao Federation of Small-Scale Miners as President from 2016 to 2021, where he played a key role in shaping regional mining policies and practices. Additionally, Gil served as President of Kabalikat Civicom Incorporated Chapter 253 Region XI and as a Barangay Council member in the Municipality of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, from 1998 to 2006. Before his significant impact in the mining sector, Gil served as a member of an airborne unit in the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 1977 to 1986. His unwavering commitment to the industry and his community highlights his dedication to promoting sustainable and equitable small-scale mining practices. His leadership has also promoted significant community and environmental advocacy.
GILSON GOMES CAMBOIM
National Coordinator of Mineral Cooperativism at OCB (Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives)
Gilson Gomes Camboim has a bachelor degree in Business Administration with specialization in Cooperative Management, Tax Planning and Brazilian Mining Law and with an extensive experience in ASGM for more than 20 years. He has been working in mineral cooperativism since 2009 as National Coordinator of Mineral Cooperativism at OCB (Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives). He is President of Fecomin-Federation of Mining Cooperatives of the State of Mato Grosso since 2018 and President of Coogavepe-Cooperativa dos Garimpeiros do Vale do Rio Peixoto for two terms, from 2014 to 2020 and from 2023 to the present day. In november, 2023, he participated in the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals and Metals and Sustainable Development - IGF, in Geneva, accompanying the Brazilian delegation with representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Mines and Energy, the National Mining Agency and coordination of institutional relations of the National Action Plan Project to comply with the Minamata Convention on mercury, by presenting the good practices of mineral cooperativism and Coogavepe. He is at the forefront of at least 2 technological alternatives to replace mercury in the Brazilian ASGM.
GISSELLE VILA BENITES
Doctoral Researcher in Geography, Clark University
Gisselle's research investigates the relationship between communities and natural resource policies, focusing on the Andean region. Her expertise lies in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) governance, having conducted extensive research on value chains and formalization processes. While primarily an academic researcher, Gisselle actively collaborates with international development and civil society organizations. Currently, she advises the UNDP Quito office on assessing conflicts related to ASM. From July 2024, Gisselle will join Cornell University's Atkinson Center for Sustainability as a Postdoctoral Associate. Leading a collaborative initiative, she will focus on empowering indigenous communities to participate in the governance of ASM closure within the Amazon. This innovative project aims to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for resource management in the region.
GLORIA PILAMON-LANGBAYAN
Sagada Municipal Office, Philippines
Gloria Pilamon-Langbayan is the tourism officer designate in Sagada Municipal Office in Philippines. Previously, she served as the Gender and Development focal person for the local government, working to facilitate involvement with the planetGOLD program with a focus on women in ASGM.
JENNIS WARREN
Fundraising Strategist, Amazon Aid
Jennis Warren has spent her adult life working to protect the environment and the communities that rely on environmental efficacy work to live safe, clean, and green lives. Prior to her work with Amazon Aid, Jennis served as Senior Development Officer for 13 years at the Southern Environmental Law Center, a celebrated non-profit dedicated to protecting the environment of the American Southeast through the lens of social justice. While there, she originated and led the Next30 Committee, an engaged board of 30 rising environmental philanthropists and leaders, creating and nurturing a culture of ongoing philanthropic support for generations to come. Jennis holds a BA from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the University of Alabama. Jennis is fluent in Spanish and is currently traveling the world.
JIE PAN
Regional Technical Specialist, UNDP
Jie Pan works as a Regional Technical Specialist in the Chemicals and Wastes Hub of UNDP, based in Bangkok, Thailand. In her role, she is primarily responsible for providing technical advice, programming, implementation oversight, knowledge and capacity development services to UNDP country offices in the Asia and Pacific region. Prior to UNDP. Jie has ten plus years of experience in designing, implementing, and supervising grants and lending operations in the area of pollution management and climate change. By way of the World Bank, the GEF, and the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, she has rich experience in supporting countries deliver high impact environmental projects and programs, including through work in safeguards and environmental social framework. Jie has a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University and a Master of English Language and Culture from Shanghai International Studies University.
JOSELIN MARCUS ESCOBAR FRAGADA
Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao
Joselin Marcus Escobar Fragada was appointed into service on December 2007 as the 6th Regional Executive Director of Region 5 or the Bicol Region and was then the youngest Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Five years after, July 2012 in particular, he was assigned in Davao Region as the Regional Executive Director of DENR XI. As a Director, he is often tagged as a visionary, proactive and a strategic enabler. He believes that achieving success is highly collaborative. Thus, upholding and maintaining strong partnership with different sectors is what he does best. “Charismatic, empathetic… a people-person”- a few words of testament to then Director Fragada. His notable accomplishments and contributions to the Department paved the way to his different assignments and designations including being an OIC Senior Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, OIC Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, OIC Undersecretary for Field Operations – Mindanao, Assistant Secretary for Field Operations – Luzon, Field Operations – Visayas, and Field Operations – Eastern Mindanao. On March 7, 2022, being a Career Executive Officer, he was appointed as Undersecretary and was designated as the new Undersecretary for Field Operations – Mindanao. On February 8, 2024, he was designated as the Supervising Undersecretary for Environmental Management Bureau and Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Mindanao. Being the Father of the DENR Mindanao, in this new administration, he will continue to SERVE and to take CHALLENGES head on in order to bring the best possible public service that he and the Department can bring.
JOSEPH JR. SAGAYO PATIL-AO
President of the Northern Sagada Barangay Small Scale Mining Association Inc.
Joseph Jr. Sagayo Patil-ao is a well-respected indigenous leader in the small-scale mining sector of the Northern Tribe or Barangay of Sagada, where he currently serves as the president of the Northern Sagada Barangay Small Scale Mining Association Inc. (NSBSSMAI). Born in a once remote barangay of Sagada, Mountain Province, Joseph has been an active leader in his community and has been instrumental in various successful negotiations, leading to the resolution of conflicts and issues. As a dedicated miner and community leader, Joseph has served as a barangay councilor for almost ten years (2013-2023), actively coordinating programs and initiatives for the betterment of his fellow miners and community members. His efforts have significantly contributed to the sustainability of both the association and the community’s small-scale mining industry as a whole. He was also part of the team that negotiated with various Eastern barangays of Sagada for the acceptance of the planetGOLD project, a necessary step for any project entering this indigenous area. Through his leadership, Joseph has facilitated ongoing programs in coordination with different governmental agencies and stakeholders. His commitment to leadership and his proactive approach in mediating and resolving organizational issues have been fundamental in promoting stability and unity among the members of the small-scale miners association.
JUAN FERNANDO CÉSPEDES GONZÁLEZ
Director of Collaborative Networks & Economic Circuits, CFA Cooperativa Financiera
Juan Fernando is a professional in Systems Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia UNAD of Colombia, and a specialist in design and development of market research and specialist in Business Management of the Social and Solidarity Economy of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Colombia. He has developed his working life as a teacher, business consultant, and Director of a bank branch at the Banco Agrario de Colombia and Coordinator of territorial development projects. He currently serves as Director of Collaborative Networks and Economic Circuits in CFA Cooperativa Financiera, where he leads the strategy for the implementation of the integration model in that country, as well as Project Manager of the International Cooperation Projects implemented by the Cooperative for financial inclusion in its territories of influence.
LEMME BENSON THOMAS
President, Amerindian Peoples Association, Guyana
Lemme Benson Thomas is the President of Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and a Village Leader of Kanarang, Region 7 in Guyana. He is from Kaphon tribe and speaks Kaphon and English.
LUDOVIC BERNAUDAT
Head, Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme
Ludovic Bernaudat is the head of the Knowledge and Risk Unit in the Chemicals and Health Branch of UNEP. Mr. Bernaudat has 24 years of experience in the development and implementation of technical cooperation projects in the areas of international waters and chemicals and waste with a strong focus on mercury pollution. Since 2007, Mr. Bernaudat has been the co-lead of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership area on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM). In this capacity, he has supported the development of the article 7 on ASGM, and its associated Annex C, of the Minamata Convention on mercury. Over the past 24 years, Mr Bernaudat has developed and managed ASGM-related projects in over 30 countries. In 2016, he led the development of the GEF GOLD programme, a multi-agency, multi-country GEF-financed initiative aiming at sustainably transforming the sector so that ASGM operations are formalised, have access to finance and markets and are mercury-free. He is the planetGOLD programme manager.
LUIS E. FERNÁNDEZ
Co-Founder/Executive Director, Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation
Luis Fernández the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation - CINCIA, a research center based in the Peruvian Amazon that studies the environmental impacts of illegal gold and mercury. Luis is also a Research Professor of Biology at Wake Forest University, a Fellow at the Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability, and a Visiting Investigator at the Carnegie Institution for Science Department of Global Ecology at Stanford University. Trained as a tropical ecologist, Luis Fernandez is an expert on the effects of ASGM-related mercury pollution on humans and biodiversity. Luis has led research efforts to study and address ASGM-related environmental impacts in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Madagascar, and is an author on more than 70+ scientific papers and reports. His research has been profiled on CNN, The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Scientific American, the PBS Newshour, and most recently, on the Today Show and NBC Nightly News. Luis previously held professional positions at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Argonne National Laboratory, and the University of Michigan. In 2009, the USEPA awarded Luis the agency's highest award, the EPA's Gold Medal for Outstanding Service, for his work on the dynamics of mercury in the Amazon Basin
LYNN GITU
Project Manager, planetGOLD Uganda (IMPACT)
Lynn is a legal professional with a passion for social justice. She specializes in conflict analysis, policy analysis, women’s empowerment, and natural resource governance. She has previously held positions in national and international NGOs, implementing and managing advocacy programming focused on better management of energy and extractives in East and Central Africa. She currently leads IMPACT’s work in mineral certification and due diligence in English-speaking countries in Africa’s Great Lakes region and coordinates projects across Uganda including a UNEP led one code named planetGOLD that works to eliminate use of mercury in the processing of ASM gold.
MALGORZATA STYLO
Associate Programme Management Officer, Chemicals & Health Brand, UN Environment Programme
Malgorzata Stylo is an Associate Programme Management Officer at United Nations Environment Programme, Chemicals and Health Branch, based in Geneva. Malgorzata has inter-disciplinary background, she holds PhD in Environmental Sciences from EPFL and Executive Certificate in Environmental Governance from Graduate Institute and has over 8 years of experience working in environmental science, research and governance. At UNEP, she coordinates the Secretariat of the Global Mercury Partnership and works on multiple projects in Africa, Latin America and Asia with an aim to eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and in products. Prior to joining UN, she worked at EPFL where her research focused on finding bioremediation solutions to heavy metal contaminated sites. Being a recreational diver, she is also passionate about marine protection and ecosystem conservation.
MANUEL REINOSO RIVAS
Delve Exchange Regional Coordinator, Latin America
Artisanal miner since 1993, partner and founder of Empresa Minera La Nueva Victoria. Direct support to small-scale and artisanal mining organizations. Active participation in the formulation of Law 27651 for artisanal mining in 2002. Member of the Technical Commission of fair-trade standards for artisanal gold mining. Vice President of the Alliance for Responsible Mining Foundation -ARM- from 2009 to October 2018. President of the National Society of Small-Scale Mining -SONAMIPE- national mining guild that supports the formalization of the sector. Co-author of the proposal for the recognition of Fair Trade as a State Policy. Participation in the international discussion of the Minamata Convention (UNEP - INC) as representative of Latin American miners. Member of the technical roundtable for the discussion of new policies for the formalization of small-scale and artisanal mining from 2012 to the present. Consultant of the Responsible Gold Initiative -BGI, since April 2020 Regional Coordinator Delve Exchange Latin America.
MARCENA HUNTER
Extractives Thematic Lead, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Marcena is the Thematic Lead on Extractives at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, which she has been with since 2013. While Marcena’s work has covered a wide scope of material and geographic spread, her current portfolio of work focuses on extractives-related crime, in particular gold-related crime, illicit financial flows and development impacts and responses to organized crime. Marcena's past work includes analysing migration flows, access to justice, and gender issues, as well as providing guidance on security sector and criminal justice reform.
MARCIN PIERSIAK
Executive Director of the Alliance for Responsible Mining Europe (ARM)
Marcin Piersiak is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Responsible Mining Europe (ARM). With a background in Economics and International Relations, he has over 13 years experience in Latin America, Africa, and Europe implementing sustainability standards systems and responsible mineral supply chains that support ASM entrepreneurs in improving their social, environmental, and productive performance.
MARIA REYES
President of the Board of Directors of the National Network of ASM Women, Peru
María Reyes has dedicated 25 years of her life to working as a pallaquera in Arequipa, a job that involves the manual selection of gold ore. She is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the National Network of ASM Women of Peru (RNM-MAPE) and Manager of the company Confecciones Mujeres Mineras 4 Horas ASSDEMICH, where she leads a team of 15 women who, like her, were dedicated to pallaqueo. As a representative of RNM-MAPE, María has participated in several mining congresses and events of national and international relevance in the sector, such as the Exchange of Experiences on Formalization and Networks of ASM Women in Bolivia, the National Mining Congress of Sustainable, Productive and Proactive Small Mining, and the Great Regional Mining Expo Fair TITIKAKA MINING.
MAURICIO WINKELRIED
Program Manager for Responsible ASM, Solidaridad Latin America
Mauricio Winkelried is the Program Manager for Responsible ASM at Solidaridad for Latin America. He holds an MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mauricio has over 5 years of experience in fostering multi stakeholder partnerships and developing innovative business models aimed at promoting financial inclusion in ASM communities and facilitating coexistence between LSM and ASM sectors in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Suriname.
MAX YAMAUCHI LEVY
Project Manager, EcoAgriculture Partners
Max largely works with the 1000 Landscapes for 1 Billion People initiative, where he plays a vital role in developing training tools that strengthen landscape partnerships' capacity to create transformational change. After he obtained degrees in biological sciences from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil) and a Master of Science in Development and Conservation Practice from the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), Max gained experience centered around environmental conservation, forest governance, regenerative agriculture and businesses, landscape restoration, and capacity building, in both the public and private sectors. Max is a member of the Latin American Model Forest Network and has worked for organizations such as FAO, CATIE, and Natural Resources Canada.
MONIKA STANKIEWICZ
Executive Secretary, Minamata Convention on Mercury
Monika Stankiewicz was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury on 13 January 2020. She has more than 20 years of experience working on environmental issues, including 13 years – of which 7 years in an executive position – at an intergovernmental organization.
Most recently, she served as Executive Secretary of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), leading the team of 30 staff, during 2012-2019. In this role, she led the successful implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, a comprehensive programme of measures based on the ecosystem approach. She undertook a high-level of coordination across the organization, the region, sectors and policies, to ensure ownership, impactful actions and concrete results. She contributed to the formulation of major new policies to address pollution sources at sea, on land and airborne, including in the prioritized areas of hazardous substances, eutrophication, biodiversity and maritime activities. Monika has experience in facilitating negotiating processes of the parties to agree on common approaches and solutions, supporting national implementation and designing robust follow up and assessment systems. She oversaw large-scale scientific and expert processes including guiding strategically on issues of policy relevance. She was the executive lead of the HELCOM Second Holistic Assessment of the Baltic Sea prepared by over 300 national experts over a period of four years.
MUKASIRI SIBANDA
Tax and Natural Resource Governance Advisor, Stop The Bleeding Campaign
Mukasiri Sibanda is a researcher, blogger and opinion shifter on natural resource and socio-economic governance issues in Africa.
NARANTUGS NOROV
Chairman, Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining National Federation of Mongolia
Mr. Narantugs Norov is championing sustainable development in artisanal mining in Mongolia. With a diverse background blending business and legal expertise, Mr. Narantugs is a dedicated advocate for responsible mining practices in Mongolia. Starting as a grassroots leader in the local Citizen Representative Council, he quickly rose to Head of the Council, showcasing his commitment to community service. As a founding member of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining National Federation (ASM NF) of Mongolia, Narantugs served as Executive Director, spearheading initiatives for sustainable mining practices and improving miners' livelihoods. He later transitioned to educating the next generation of ASM practitioners and led the ASM NF’s training team from 2022 to 2023, developing innovative programs tailored to ASM miners' needs. Since June 2023, he has been elected as the Chairman for the ASM NF, advocating policies for ASM formalization, environmental conservation, community empowerment, and social responsibility.
PABLO GRIJALVA BAUTISTA
Deputy Manager of Operations
Pablo Grijalva Bautista graduated in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from Campbell University in the United States. He also has a degree of Commercial Engineer with a Specialization in Finance and Marketing from the Army Polytechnic University of Ecuador, and Systems Analyst and Programming Technologist. He has extensive experience in the public and private sectors. He is an expert in the administration and investment of financial assets in the international and national financial markets. He has 20 years of experience managing the Reserves of the Central Bank of Ecuador, where he also held important positions such as Director of Investments, National Director of Reserve Management, Responsible for International Financial Risks, Trader of the Money and Exchange Desk, and Internal Auditor, among others. He was National Manager of Risks and Income Assurance in the National Telecommunications Corporation CNT EP, Control and Intervention Intendant of Quito in the Superintendence of Companies and General Manager of the Grijalva Espín Economic Group.
PAULO ANDRES VELASQUEZ CASTELLANOS
Product Research and Development Expert, BanEcuador
Paulo Andrés Velasquez Castellanos, Ecuadorian, holds a Master's degree in Project Management and a Bachelor's degree in Agroindustrial Engineering. With over a decade of experience in public and private banking, as well as in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Paulo has made significant contributions to sustainable finance and agriculture. During his tenure as an expert consultant for the FAO in the Dominican Republic, he specialized in sustainable finance, achieving remarkable milestones. Notably, while working at BanEcuador, he introduced sustainable finance practices and created innovative financial products. His achievements include the establishment of deforestation-free sustainable credit products, preserving thousands of hectares of forest in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and implementing climate-smart livestock farming practices, effectively reducing CO2 emissions through sustainable agricultural practices
RENE ROGER TISSOT
Executive Director, AGC
Roger brings extensive experience working in extractive industries in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, with emphasis on local content development, and governance issues. Roger holds an M.A. in Economics from Universite Laval, Quebec, and an MBA from the University of Calgary. He is also currently engaged in a PhD on Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. After a career in the oil and gas industry, Roger has focused his attention on issues related to ASGM as part of his doctoral research – with emphasis on formalization models in the global south.
RICHARD GUTIERREZ
Programme Management Officer for National Reporting, Minamata Convention on Mercury
Richard is currently the Programme Management Officer for National Reporting of the Minamata Convention Secretariat. Richard is an international environmental law practitioner working at the forefront of promoting environmental justice in the field of chemicals and waste since 2001. He has also been part of the global NGO coalition that pushed for a binding mercury treaty and has been an active participant in the development of the global mercury issue since 2007. Prior to joining the Minamata Secretariat, Richard was managing projects on mercury-free technology projects on artisanal small-scale gold mining in Indonesia, the Philippines and Mongolia.
ROBERT DONOFRIO
Founder & CEO, Futura Jewelry
With more than 35 years of experience leading some of the world’s most prestigious luxury jewelry, watch, and fashion brands including Bulgari, Asprey & Garrard, Roberto Cavalli, and Movado, in 2016 Bob Donofrio discovered the harsh reality of the environmental and health impact of mining gold for the jewelry industry. Bob’s business focus immediately changed and his mission was to create a brand that would lead the jewelry industry to a better tomorrow and would directly impact the reduction of mercury emissions. In 2017, Bob launched FUTURA Jewelry as a luxury brand with modern values at its core and jewelry exclusively crafted from 18-karat mercury-free Certified FAIRMINED Ecological gold. He is a partner of the United Nations Global Mercury Partnership, has participated and provided content for a documentary about small-scale gold mining created by Viewpoint by Dennis Quaid that appeared on the top 100 US public TV stations and with each piece of Futura Jewelry sold is bringing us closer to a mercury-free world and a cleaner, safer planet.
ROCKY MARCELINO
Senior Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation, Conservation International
Mr. Aki Marcelino is the Senior Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation at the Conservation International GEF Agency in the US. He supports the global portfolio of projects in terms of monitoring, reporting, and evaluation as mandated by the GEF and leads in measuring the impact of the agency portfolio. Currently, he oversees the implementation of GEF projects and engages ministries in the Asia and the Pacific for project development. Before joining CI-GEF, Mr. Marcelino was an assistant professor at the Institute of Statistics, University of the Philippines Los Baños. For more than a decade, he engaged as consultant in various projects funded by local and international agencies like United Nations Development Programme, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Fundación CODESPA, and Asian Development Bank, among others. In 2018, Mr. Marcelino joined the project “Conduct of Objective, Science-based Review of Existing Mine Operations in selected sites in the Philippines” to assess the environmental and social impact of mining. . In his current role at CI-GEF, he managed the terminal evaluation of the project “A GEF GOLD/ Supply Chain Approach to Eliminating Mercury in Guyana’s ASGM Sector: El Dorado Gold Jewelry Made in Guyana”. The project was established to be consistent with Guyana's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with natural partners like the GEF/UNDP and WWF Projects that highlighted the collaboration of various stakeholders to address the environmental impacts of gold mining. Mr. Marcelino received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Statistics major in Computational Biology and Life Sciences under the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology scholarship.
RODICA ELLA IVAN
Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO
Ms. Rodica Ella Ivan is acting as Industrial Development Officer in the Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management of the UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). She has a biochemistry engineering degree and a master degree in public management. Ms. Ivan has over 15 years international working experience in technical cooperation projects management in the UN system, and prior to that, she was director for chemicals management in the Ministry of Environment of Romania. She acted as a member of the First Management Committee of the European Chemicals Agency based in Helsinki. Most recently, she is co-leading on behalf of UNIDO, jointly with UNEP and NRDC representatives, the ASGM partnership area of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. Ms Ivan is also the UNIDO focal point for the newly adopted Global Framework on Chemicals. As UNIDO programme manager, her projects portfolio covered more than 45 countries over time, mainly in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, assisting their compliance with Multilateral Environment Agreements (such as Stockholm Convention on POPs and Minamata Convention on Mercury, Basel Convention, the Montreal Protocol on the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, and other global topics related to hazardous chemicals)
ROSE NAKAWUMA
ASGM Association & Cooperatives Officer, IMPACT Uganda
Rose Nakawuma works as the ASGM Association and Cooperatives officer at IMPACT-Uganda office, under planetGOLD project. Rose is highly dedicated and resourceful in international, national and community service work and stellar record of community involvement and conflict resolution, adept at plateful mining community groups especially women to get formalized, access finances ,creative and productive solutions for issues related to mining sector, she is strong multitasker, she is an effective team player possessing the important ability to remain calm in stressful situations, she is skilled is skilled in drafting legal documents. She successfully represented communities affected by extractive project in compensation matters, she contributed to the development of new mining and minerals Act 2023 in Uganda. Previously she worked as a community-based monitor under the EACOP project in Uganda, she also worked as a program associate with Global Rights Alert, worked as a consultant under IMPACT project of digging for Equality. Holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Kampala International University, Diploma in Legal practice from Law Development Centre. Pursing an online course in financial literacy.
SAIDOU KABRE
Project Manager, planetGOLD Burkina Faso (Artisanal Gold Council)
Mr Saidou Kabre is an economist and mining sector investment specialist. His experience has focused on the management of development projects in the development, environment and ASGM sectors in Burkina Faso and the West African region. He has worked on setting up a number of mechanisms to facilitate access to funding, supervising farmers and disseminating production and environmental protection technologies. Mr Kabre piloted the revolving funds mechanism for the miners in Burkina Faso. He holds a Master's degree in Macroeconomics and Development Management and a Master's degree in Digital Territorial Project Management (GPNT). Mr Kabre is currently the National Project Manager of the planetGOLD Project and at the same time the Country Representative of the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) in Burkina Faso.
SANDOLI DABIRE
President, Gnikpière artisanal miners' cooperative “Zemstaaba”
Sandoli DABIRE, has been working in artisanal mining since 1996, accumulating some thirty years' experience in the mining business. He is originally from the south-western region of Burkina Faso and currently works at the Gnikpière artisanal site (planetGOLD Burkina Faso project site). Prior to the Gnikpière site, he successively worked in site management at Houndé and Ouessa. He is currently president of the Gnikpière artisanal miners' cooperative “Zemstaaba”, committed to responsible artisanal gold mining. His cooperative, set up with the support of planetGOLD Burkina Faso, has benefited from several training courses enabling them to raise miners' awareness of the harmful effects of mercury use on human and animal health and on the environment, as well as on the safety of goods and people on site.
SHAWN BLORE
Independent Researcher on natural resources
Shawn Blore has nearly 20 years of experience in the ASM sector. He has investigated informal and illegal flows of gold, diamonds and mercury in South America and Africa. To help control illegal and conflict minerals, Blore designed and implemented Africa's ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism, as well as the Just Gold program to bring ASM gold from the Eastern DRC to market. He is currently working on a ASM project in Papua New Guinea.
SUSAN KEANE
planetGOLD Global Coordinator (Natural Resources Defense Council)
With more than 25 years of experience in environmental health issues—including the reporting of toxic emissions, the regulation of air pollution, the management of pesticides, and the formation of water-quality standards—Susan leads the planetGOLD global coordination project. She has worked in Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. At NRDC, she has collaborated with U.S. retailers to reduce their environmental impacts and eliminate products containing toxic chemicals in their stores. She has also fought to reduce global mercury pollution, particularly by artisanal and small-scale gold-mining operations. Keane holds a master’s degree in environmental health management from the Harvard School of Public Health.
TATENDA MAPOOZE
Mining and Minerals Technical Officer, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association
Tatenda Mapooze is a mining engineer currently working as a Mining and Minerals Technical Officer at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association. He is passionate about promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. Tatenda leads impactful projects that address the complex challenges of ASGM, including research, advocacy campaigns, and field initiatives, to promote sustainable practices, minimize environmental impact, and protect biodiversity. Tatenda's expertise covers technical guidance, capacity building, policy and advocacy, data analysis, and knowledge sharing. He is passionate about unlocking the economic potential of the ASGM sector while safeguarding biodiversity. Combining extensive field experience with expertise in sustainable mining practices, Tatenda empowers miners with knowledge and tools, developing accessible manuals on sustainable mining techniques, providing crucial technical support, and designing training programs.
WELLINGTON MUDIWA TAKAVARASHA
CEO, Zimbabwe Miners Federation
Wellington is currently the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF)’s Chief Executive Officer from 2006 to date. He has
championed the recognition of the artisanal and small-scale miners in Zimbabwe for the Government to see their full potential and significance. More importantly, he has spearheaded the formalization and regularization of the ASM sector through advocacy. The various mining Boards that he has been appointed to including The Mining Affairs Board have on the agenda that the ASM mining activities are done sustainably and profitably. Wellington has done research with Professor Sam Spiegel on artisanal gold mining and
mercury effects. He has contributed to Zimbabwe’s ratification process of the Minamata Convention. His Achievements are being appointed to the following: COMESA President for Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Council from 2012 to date, Chairman and CEO of Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Council, Steering Committee Member of Minamatha National Action Plan Committee and the Mining Affairs Board member which is appointed by His Excellency.
WILLIAM LESHILO
Government Relations and Community Business Partner, AngloGold Ashanti
William has enjoyed a rich and progressive career within numerous mining giants, gaining technical expertise as a Shift Overseer and working his way into roles as Senior Training Officer and Divisional Training Manager before joining the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) as Standards Generating Body Manager where he designed various standards and programmes for the Mining and Minerals Sector. In January 2004, William returned to Anglo Coal South Africa after a secondment period at the MQA as Divisional HR Manager and Group Community Development Management where he successfully developed and executed HR Policies, Social and Labour Plans, CSI, Socio-Economic Assessment Appraisals and Community Engagement Plans for all Anglo Coal operations in South Africa. In August 2007 William joined Lafarge South Africa as National Minerals & Transformation Manager, with promotion to Stakeholder and Community Management Consultant in March 2009 when he also spearheaded his own venture as Managing Director for MSC Business College. Within his role as Stakeholder and Community Management Consultant, William demonstrated exceptional engagement, negotiation and strategy development skills which enabled him to skilfully ensure effective continuation of organisational operations and in 2014 joined AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Continental Africa Region and in 2022 he took up the role of Government Relations and Community Business Partner Globally. William provides a significant contribution to the long-term sustainable growth of any establishment through his impeccable engagement, negotiation and leadership abilities. His implementation skills are forefront in overall transformation and his involvement in initiatives ensures ground-breaking increases in business performance.
YUKI NAKAMURA
Associate Programme Officer, Environment Team, UNODC Border Management Branch
Yuki Nakamura is an Associate Programme Officer at the Environment Team of the UNODC Border Management Branch (Vienna, Austria). He serves as the co-coordinator of the crimes in the minerals sector work of the programme, including the delivery of both normative and technical assistance globally. Before joining the Environment Team, Yuki supported and contributed to the development, monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects across all UNODC mandates in the LAC region. Previously, he worked in several Latin American Embassies where he assisted diplomats in their overall duties which ranged from securing trade and investment deals to managing projects related to domestic violence victims. He also worked in various academic institutions where he researched, taught and published on violence and drug decriminalization policies. Yuki holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and a M.A. in Sociology and Economics from Keio University in Japan. The UNODC Environment Team works to improve the criminal justice and preventive response of member states to crimes that affect the environment. The Programme focuses on policy guidance and technical assistance in several areas such as strengthening national legislation, building up States’ scientific, investigative, prosecutorial and judicial capacities and fostering regional and international cooperation to address organized crime.
