News
01 October 2024
Countries:
-
National Communications Officer, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for the planetGOLD Philippines project
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Camarines Norte, Philippines — From 22-22 September 2024, six journalists from around the world gathered in Daet and Paracale, Camarines Norte, for an innovative workshop centered on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). This event was part of the planetGOLD programme's "Beyond the Headlines: Co-Creating a New ASGM Narrative Through Solutions Journalism" initiative, organized by the PR group Gugma in partnership with Artisanal Gold Council Philippines. The workshop aimed to transform the media narrative surrounding ASGM by highlighting not only its challenges but also practical solutions within the sector.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Over three days, the program offered journalists a thorough understanding of ASGM through field visits, hands-on experience at mercury-free gold processing facilities, one-on-one discussions with miners, and informative sessions on Solutions Journalism. The participants were carefully chosen from over 200 applicants worldwide, representing six countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, emphasizing a global commitment to responsible mining and environmental stewardship.
The selected journalists brought a wealth of diverse perspectives from their respective countries:
• Kath Cortez, Senior Reporter, Davao Today (Philippines)
• Maxwell Suuk, Freelance Correspondent (Ghana)
• Ismat Ara, Reporter, Frontline Magazine, The Hindu (India)
• Paula Dupraz-Dobias, Senior Journalist, Geneva Solutions (Switzerland)
• Daniel Shailer, Freelance Journalist (United Kingdom)
• Khaliun Bayartsogt, Reporter, Mongolian Center for Investigative Reporters (Mongolia)
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Solutions Journalism
The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Jennifer Wilmore Scroggins, Communications Manager for planetGOLD, who outlined the initiative's objectives. Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, along with Dr. Sarah Aviado, Provincial Information Officer for Camarines Norte, conducted a session on the fundamentals of ASGM, detailing its economic significance and the environmental challenges it poses both locally and globally.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Wilmore-Scroggins emphasized, “The media, as a key narrative-setter, provides an opportunity to engage journalists—especially those reporting on environmental issues—at one of our planetGOLD project sites. Journalists had the chance to visit mine sites, engage with local community leaders and miners, and explore a mercury-free processing facility established by the project. This gave them firsthand exposure to both the problems and potential solutions, which we hope can be replicated in other areas.”
Later in the day, participants discussed the portrayal of ASGM in the media of their respective countries. A panel featuring ASGM community leaders and stakeholders enriched the dialogue, while solutions journalism expert Portia Ladrido led a session titled "Solutions Journalism in Action." This session sparked meaningful conversations about impactful storytelling techniques that go beyond traditional problem-focused coverage.
Day 2: Immersive Field Visits
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
On the second day, participants ventured into the heart of ASGM activities in Paracale. They visited the Minahan Bayan, the People's Small-Scale Mining area, and toured the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) installed by planetGOLD Philippines. Journalists observed firsthand the transformative potential of mercury-free technologies in enhancing both livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
The visit also included stops at a rod mill and a cyanide processing plant, as well as at the SMBC mining organization, where they engaged in discussions about mining operations and challenges with local miners, financiers, landowners, and community leaders. This field immersion allowed participants to connect deeply with the realities of ASGM, providing invaluable insights for their future reporting.
Day 3: Crafting Solutions-Oriented Stories
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
On the final day, the workshop, led by Ladrido, transitioned to an intensive training session focused on crafting solutions-oriented ASGM stories. Participants engaged in story conferencing workshops, peer reviews, and explored digital storytelling tools aimed at advocating for responsible mining. A synthesis and commitment-building session concluded the event, ensuring participants left with a clear vision of how to incorporate solutions journalism into their work.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Ladrido emphasized the importance of solutions journalism in reshaping the narrative surrounding artisanal and small-scale gold mining. "Solutions journalism is an essential practice because it provides a complete picture of a story," she explained. "As journalists, we have the duty to inform the public not only about the problems but also about the solutions—what people in the communities can do to address their challenges. It gives our readers a sense of hope that something can be done to improve the situation."
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Addressing ASGM Complexities through Solutions Journalism
ASGM plays a vital role in the global gold supply, contributing 20% of the world’s gold and providing livelihoods for an estimated 10 to 20 million miners across 80 countries. Despite its economic significance, the sector remains controversial due to its reliance on hazardous mercury, which accounts for a significant portion of anthropogenic mercury pollution worldwide.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Jennifer Wilmore Scroggins emphasized the potential of ASGM to foster sustainable development when supported by safer, cleaner technologies, adequate financing, and capacity-building initiatives. “Journalists have the power to contextualize the various challenges miners face and uncover the solutions being implemented,” she stated. "This workshop aims to highlight the potential of responsible mining practices."
Insights from Participants
Khaliun Bayartsogt expressed how the workshop enhanced her understanding of Solutions Journalism in relation to the challenges faced by artisanal miners. "In Mongolia, artisanal miners are struggling for recognition and formalization. Solutions Journalism can showcase how countries like the Philippines are formalizing their miners and creating local economic opportunities," she shared.
Filipino journalist Kath Cortez echoed this sentiment, stating, "Solutions Journalism teaches us to present narratives in a more positive light. It shifts the focus from environmental harm to the economic contributions and roles that communities play in ASGM." She also highlighted the value of field visits, noting how meeting community members and experiencing their stories firsthand enriched their reporting.
Daniel Shailer, a freelance journalist from the United Kingdom, shared his evolving perspective on Solutions Journalism throughout the workshop. "I believe Solutions Journalism has much to offer when exploring a topic like ASGM with its complexities," he noted. "It allows us to focus not only on the challenges but also on the individuals and communities driving positive change." He emphasized that Solutions Journalism is not about finding quick fixes but about uncovering the ongoing efforts to thoughtfully and rigorously address significant issues.
Reframing ASGM Narratives
The workshop underscored the necessity of reframing the media narrative surrounding ASGM. Instead of concentrating solely on problems, participants were encouraged to explore the emerging solutions within the sector. "It’s about changing the lens through which ASGM is viewed," Scroggins explained. “I’m hopeful that this experience will demonstrate how stories about ASGM and mercury reduction can center on solutions and responses. It’s about telling a broader, more nuanced story that highlights the efforts of governments, organizations like planetGOLD, and the miners themselves.”
Dawn Po Quimque, National Communications Officer for the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, underscored the crucial role of the media in reshaping perceptions of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). She stated, “Media plays a huge role in promoting the sustainable development of the sector. It helps set the narrative that encourages action from the public and government. By telling stories that highlight solutions, the media can change how ASGM is perceived and accepted. They are key to shifting the negative perceptions of the sector.”
The transition from understanding to action is complex, yet journalists are uniquely positioned to drive this change. By adopting the principles of Solutions Journalism, they are equipped to redefine global views of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Through their stories, they shed light not only on the challenges faced but also on the solutions that are transforming mining communities and promoting sustainability. As they return to their respective countries, they carry both a responsibility and an opportunity to share a more comprehensive and nuanced narrative of ASGM—one that highlights progress, hope, and a clear path forward. This approach will enrich public discourse, influence policy, and foster collaborative solutions to the challenges confronting the global ASGM sector. The work begins anew with every article, broadcast, and story that can inspire change. These narratives will contribute to shaping public dialogue, guiding policy decisions, and advancing overall progress.
Watch the highlight video here:
The Artisanal Gold Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities. Through capacity building, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, the AGC promotes responsible mining practices that benefit both people and the planet. AGC is the executing agency of the GEF-funded and UN-implemented planetGOLD Philippines Project.
The planetGOLD Philippines is a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Office and the United Nations Environment Program. In the Philippines, the Project is executed by the Artisanal Gold Council (a non-governmental organization) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The Project is designed to address key issues linked to the continued mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector and to provide sustainable development opportunities for the communities involved.
For more updates about the activities of planetGOLD Philippines:
Knowledge Areas: