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17 January 2025
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PARACALE, CAMARINES NORTE – On 13 January 2025, the Municipality of Paracale, the Samahan ng mga Minero sa Barangay Casalugan (SMBC), and the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) Philippines signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying their commitment to responsible and mercury-free artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The signing, held at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall, was led by Paracale Mayor Romeo Moreno, SMBC President Demver Suzara, and AGC Philippines National Project Manager Abigail Ocate.
This partnership grew into fruition after the SMBC entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Artisanal Gold Council AGC Philippines last 23 January 2023 to collaborate in the implementation of the planetGOLD Philippines Project and its aim to contribute to the reduction of mercury use in ASGM. SMBC has agreed to allocate 2,745 square meters within its permitted mining claim in Barangay Casalugan for the installation of a Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) and to establish a social enterprise mechanism to sustain and improve operations in the future.
The signing of the MOU aims to solidify and clearly outline the roles of each signatory party. AGC Philippines renewed its commitment in ensuring that the MFPS meets the required environmental and safety standards, conducting commissioning and optimization, providing valuable training for SMBC miners, and assisting in SMBC's application for a Mineral Processing License (MPL).
Meanwhile, SMBC's commitment is to ensure that 30% of the MFPS workforce consists of women and to allocate at least 1.5% of its profits to social development projects that benefit all community members, including both miners and non-miners. Finally, the Paracale MLGU ties this partnership together by guaranteeing continuous monitoring of SMBC’s operations to ensure the efficient usage of the MFPS, providing technical assistance to SMBC in further formalizing and professionalizing their operations, and helping to identify and implement social development projects funded by SMBC as part of its commitment to help uplift the economic situation of Paracale.
Ms. Ocate, on behalf of the planetGOLD Philippines Project and AGC Philippines conveyed the profound importance and representation of the MOU signing, “This Memorandum of Agreement is much more than a legal document; it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause. The MFPS is not just a facility; it is a beacon of hope and a symbol of our commitment to responsible small-scale gold mining.”
SMBC President Demver Suzara expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who played a vital role in formalizing the partnership for responsible mining in their community.
"SMBC and Barangay Casalugan are deeply grateful to planetGOLD Philippines, AGC Philippines, and our partners from the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte and the Paracale LGU, who served as bridges in making this agreement possible — a major step toward a safer, more organized, and more formal livelihood for our miners. We hope this serves as a model for other barangays in our municipality,” he said.
To close the event, Mayor Moreno led attendees in a pledge of commitment to the MOU, reaffirming support for a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector in Paracale, Camarines Norte. Signatories encouraged participants to sign the pledge as a symbol of their dedication to responsible mining.
Officials emphasized that the commitments marked the start of long-term efforts to transform Paracale’s ASGM sector. Through collective action, the community aims to build a mining industry that is environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
This landmark event was attended by local government officials, mining association leaders, representatives from AGC Philippines, and key stakeholders from the ASGM sector. Community members, including miners also participated, with broad support for responsible and mercury-free mining in Paracale.
The construction of the MFPS and Training Facility at the Minahang Bayan in Barangay Casalugan has been successfully completed and is set to be turned over to SMBC this coming April 02, 2025.
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.
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