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BATANGAS AND CAMARINES NORTE, PHILIPPINES – The Annual Programme Meeting (APM) for planetGOLD in 2024 brought together representatives from 23 countries where the program is being implemented. The meeting, hosted in the Philippines from June 6-8, 2024, was held in conjunction with the planetGOLD Philippines Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM).
The APM was a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among the country projects involved in the program worldwide. Participants gathered to share best practices, discuss accomplishments, address challenges, and assess the overall progress of planetGOLD's mission to promote sustainable and responsible gold mining practices.
During the meeting, country projects provided updates on their achievements and sought feedback on overcoming obstacles. The event emphasized the importance of creating spaces for open dialogue and collective learning, fostering a deeper understanding of ASGM issues, and developing realistic and sustainable solutions.
"The APM is truly about learning and sharing with our colleagues," said Abigail Ocate, the Philippines National Project Manager. "This meeting stresses the value of collaboration and shared experiences in advancing our common goals. It's inspiring to learn from our colleagues' successes and challenges and to see how we can apply these insights in our own context."
The Communications unit of each country's program conducted a separate session to discuss challenges and accomplishments, with a focus on the experiences of first-phase countries. Their insights aimed to benefit second-phase countries that are just starting their projects, highlighting the value of learning from established practices.
On June 8, a field visit to Paracale, one of the project sites in the Philippines, was conducted. Over 20 participants observed the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) installed by the planetGOLD Philippines team in the Minahang Bayan of Paracale, Camarines Norte. The MFPS, currently in the commissioning phase, is set to be handed over to local gold miners by the end of the year. The technical team provided an in-depth presentation on the MFPS, showcasing how each piece of equipment operates. Participants also had the opportunity to see a vertical gold mining shaft and the old processing system, now abandoned in favor of more sustainable practices.
"The field visit to Paracale allowed us to demonstrate firsthand how the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) is transforming artisanal mining practices. Seeing the positive reception from local miners reassures us that our efforts are paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future in gold mining," National Technologist Engr. Jinky Jane Tero said.
The APM not only celebrated progress in the field of ASGM but also provided valuable insights and fostered connections among global stakeholders. The success of the event highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing in achieving planetGOLD's mission of improving the environmental and social impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining worldwide.
The planetGOLD Philippines Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and executed by the Artisanal Gold Council.
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