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The Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) Philippines through the planetGOLD Philippines project, represented by National Project Manager Abigail Ocate and National Communications Officer Dawn Po Quimque, attended the 17th OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris from May 21-24, 2024. The forum offered valuable insights into improving the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, addressing emerging priorities and ongoing challenges.
During the forum, the planetGOLD Philippines team participated in several important sessions. These discussions covered responsible sourcing and mining governance during the energy transition, as well as the social and environmental impacts of mineral extraction. A significant focus was on new guidelines for due diligence, including the operationalization of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Transition Mineral Supply Chains, and many more.
One notable highlight was the CRAFT Code Community of Practice session, organized by the Alliance for Responsible Mining and Resolve. Here, planetGOLD Philippines shared their experiences with the CRAFT Code, highlighting their efforts to tailor the code to local needs. Their focus included reducing mercury use, protecting Indigenous rights, and minimizing biodiversity impacts—key elements of their mission to formalize the ASGM sector and ensure miners' access to responsible markets.
One of AGC/planetGOLD Philippines' primary goals is to improve access to finance and formal markets for small-scale miners. They are currently finalizing a supplier agreement with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to simplify due diligence using CRAFT Code reports. Additionally, they are in talks with local financial institutions, such as Cebuana Lhuillier, to offer loans to miners and encourage their participation in formal gold markets.
Ocate emphasized the forum's significance, stating, "The OECD Forum was crucial for aligning our efforts with global standards. The discussions on responsible sourcing, particularly through the CRAFT Code, offer valuable guidance for our work. At planetGOLD Philippines, we are committed to improving the lives of artisanal and small-scale gold miners by promoting mercury-free gold processing and supporting their access to formal markets. This forum has provided us with essential insights to advance our mission and ensure that our initiatives continue to make a positive impact."
The forum provided planetGOLD Philippines with a platform to engage with global stakeholders, share experiences, and gain insights to further their efforts in the Philippines. The participation of planetGOLD Philippines showcase the project's commitment to responsible mining practices and its role in the global conversation on sustainable mineral supply chains.
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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