2026 Global Forum on ASGM

The 2026 planetGOLD Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) took place September 22-24, 2026 in Panama City brought together a wide range of stakeholders—including miner representatives, government officials, international agencies, policy and technical experts and members of the private sector—to inform, educate, and exchange best practices for improving and professionalizing the ASGM sector.

The event included plenary sessions and breakout discussions that examined some of the most pressing issues facing the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector today. Topics will include technologies for mercury-free gold production, engaging Central Banks to support responsible gold supply chains, addressing gender disparities within the sector, confronting illegal gold mining, Indigenous community engagement, and more.

Select sessions were recorded and will be released online soon.

Watch the Highlight Reel:

View the Event Schedule

Meet the Speakers

Get to Know the Miners

About the Programme

Supporting countries’ commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, planetGOLD works to eliminate mercury from the supply chain of gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners in countries around the globe. The programme also includes a global knowledge management and communications project, which facilitates the dissemination of information from planetGOLD to mining stakeholders and communities, government, and civil society.

The planetGOLD programme is funded by the Global Environment Facility, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and Conservation International.