News & Voices

As Member States and observers gather in Geneva, Switzerland for the 5th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the planetGOLD programme aims to contribute to the global knowledge base on reducing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Explore the information document the programme has published detailing lessons learned from technology transfer activities in planetGOLD phase 1 projects.

The planetGOLD Philippines Project showcased the vital role of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) at the Mining Philippines 2023 Conference. As the only ASGM-focused participant, the project emphasized ASGM's contribution to sustainable mineral development in the Philippines. With exhibits featuring informative displays, documentaries, and interactive games, the project aimed to engage and educate diverse audiences on responsible mining practices. The conference focused on collaborative stakeholder efforts and technology integration for environmentally responsible and socially inclusive mining operations.

The Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), through the planetGOLD Philippines, and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) join forces to empower small-scale gold miners in Sagada, Mt. Province. The ceremonial MOU signing solidified the commitment to sustainable development through capacity building. MPSPC's leaders highlighted the institution's role in shaping Mt. Province's future and fostering responsible progress. AGC Philippines acknowledged academia's vital contributions, emphasizing the collective effort's positive impact on small-scale mining communities.

The planetGOLD Philippines Project actively participated in the 4th National Assembly and National Summit of Small-Scale Gold Miners in the Philippines, supporting responsible mining practices focused on best practices in environmental protection, child labor elimination, and occupational safety. Under the theme "Gold from Small-Scale Miners: Strength of the Economy, Hope of the Nation," discussions highlighted the importance of sector formalization and economic growth. The event addressed challenges faced by miners and women workers, with the planetGOLD Philippines Project emphasizing the vital role of women in ASGM and advocating for gender-related issues in the sector.

The first leg of the planetGOLD Philippines Projects' Media Kapihan series, focused on responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), successfully concluded in Bontoc, Mt. Province. Organized by the Artisanal Gold Council through the planetGOLD Philippines, the series aims to reshape media perceptions by providing accurate information. The event highlighted the potential of ASGM for positive community change, focusing on formalization, finance access, and environmental protection. The discussions emphasized Indigenous Peoples' rights and gender equality, fostering a more inclusive dialogue. Positive storytelling emerged as a powerful tool to challenge stereotypes and humanize the ASGM sector, with media collaboration seen as...

The Mountain Province Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) in the Philippines has partnered with the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) and the Northern Sagada Barangay Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. (NSBSSMAI) to implement the planetGOLD Philippines Project. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was ceremonially signed, emphasizing a commitment to environmentally conscious and socially responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) practices in Sagada, Mountain Province. The event, attended by government representatives and mining stakeholders, marked a significant step towards empowering small-scale miners and promoting sustainable development in the ASGM sector. The partnership aims to create an enabling environment for ASGM development.

The premiere episode of "The Gold Talk: Sa Responsableng Pagmimina, Lahat Giginhawa!" aired on 25 June 2023 on Radyo Pilipinas 96.9FM. Hosted by Camarines Norte Provincial Information Officer Dr. Sarah Marie Pante-Aviado and co-hosted by planetGOLD Philippines National Communications Officer Dawn Po Quimque, the show featured news updates, an insightful interview, project announcements, and an interactive trivia challenge where the audience had a chance to win prizes.

The planetGOLD Philippines launched The "Kapihan Tungo sa Responsableng Minahan” (Coffee Talks Towards Responsible Mining), a media kapihan (media brown bag) sessions last June 1 and 8, 2023 in Quezon City, Metro Manila and Daet, Camarines Norte, respectively. These sessions aim to engage with the media in shifting perspectives towards a better understanding of ASGM.

Recognizing the crucial role of local governments in the promotion of safer, cleaner, and more profitable ASGM in the province, planetGOLD Philippines conducted a two-day Communications and Media Relations Training for the Camarines Norte Provincial Information Office (PIO) on 6-7 June 2023 in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Learn about the third leg of planetGOLD Philippnes workshop series themed “Making Mercury History in the Philippine Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining Sector”, conducted on 17-19 May 2023 in Hotel Sentro, Legazpi City.

To further strengthen and institutionalize planetGOLD Philippines' efforts in reducing mercury use in the province, a Memorandum of Agreement between the Camarines Norte Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) and the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines was signed last 18 April 2023 in a ceremony during the Bantayog Festival.

In line with pushing for the formalization of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector in the Philippines, planetGOLD Philippines holds the Mountain Province leg of the policy workshop "Making Mercury History in the Philippine Small-scale Gold Mining Sector: Stories from the Minahang Bayan of Brgy. Fidelisan, Sagada" on 22-24 February 2023