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01 August 2024
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National Communications Officer, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for the planetGOLD Philippines project
At the 5th National Assembly of the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines, Inc. (NCSSMPI), the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) Philippines through the planetGOLD Philippines project reaffirmed its commitment to supporting responsible mining practices and advocating for legislative reforms in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. The assembly, held on 25-26 July 2024, at Althea's Dream Land Resort in Brgy. Mampurog, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte, and gathered over 200 small-scale gold miners from more than 30 mining associations in the country, along with key representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector.
The event, themed “Ginto ng Bayan para sa Bayan: Pagbabagong Batas at Programa sa Maliitang Pagmimina Isakatuparan” (Gold of the Nation for the Nation: Enacting Changes in Laws and Programs for Small-Scale Mining), focused on vital reforms for the ASGM sector. Key discussions highlighted the necessity to amend Republic Act 7076 (The People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991), with attendees stressing the urgent need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, lower the costs of establishing Minahang Bayan (People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas), and improve access to mercury-free technologies.
AGC Philippines National Project Manager Abigail Ocate presents the Knowledge Management (KM) platform, the project’s effort to strengthen the formalization process of SSM sector. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
As a steadfast supporter since the project's inception, planetGOLD Philippines actively backed these initiatives through its representatives. Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) Philippines, emphasized the project’s efforts to formalize the ASGM sector by aligning regulations with the needs of small-scale miners. She also provided updates on the development of a Knowledge Management (KM) platform, designed to serve as an interactive one-stop shop where miners can engage with government agencies and access critical information.
“The Knowledge Management Platform we are developing is a game changer for the small-scale mining sector. It will act as a central hub where miners can access vital information, navigate regulatory requirements, and connect with government agencies. By creating this interactive platform, we aim to simplify the formalization process and empower miners with the tools and knowledge they need to operate sustainably and responsibly,” Ocate stated.
Additionally, the project introduced the planetGOLD version of the CRAFT Code, a standard designed to promote responsible sourcing and due diligence within the sector. Engr. Joven Battung, a representative from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), further emphasized the importance of adhering to unified due diligence standards to help small-scale miners align with international best practices. He endorsed the implementation of this standard, which the project is currently promoting and training on at project sites.
One of the event highlights was the presentation by Rose Ferrer, Division Head-Gold Buying Division of PJL Lhuillier’s Finance Group, a planetGOLD Philippines partner specifically on the Access to Finance and Markets component of the project. Ferrer introduced the company’s gold-buying program, tailored for small-scale gold miners, alongside insurance products designed specifically for miners. She also shared their experience in the project sites of planetGOLD Philippines, noting that while their pilot programs initially excluded Sagada and Paracale, ongoing collaborations with AGC Philippines have now extended their services to these areas. Numerous fieldwork activities by the company through the help of the Project, have since been conducted in these communities, marking a significant expansion of their efforts to support miners. Mobile gold buying stations are set to open in Sagada, Mt. Province and Itogon, Benguet with no minimum volume and No processing fee are required for their buying scheme.
Among the attendees were representatives from planetGOLD Philippines' partner associations, including the Samahan ng mga Minero ng Brgy. Casalugan (SMBC) from Paracale, Camarines Norte, and the Northern Sagada Barangay Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. (NSBSSMAI) from Sagada, Mt. Province. These associations have received logistical support in attending the assemblies since 2022 and continue to benefit from planetGOLD Philippines' initiatives aimed at strengthening the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines. The project has enabled the inclusion of 20 additional mining associations into the coalition in 2022.
During the event's video competition showcasing best practices, SMBC earned first place, highlighting their dedication and collaboration with the planetGOLD Philippines Project over the past few years. The winning video featured the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) installed by the project and emphasized the various training provided to enhance responsible mining practices and community engagement. This recognition underscores the tangible impact of the partnership between planetGOLD Philippines and its local stakeholders.
The newly elected officers of NCSSMPI take their oath, led by MGB Region V Director Guillermo Molina. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Although the Project is currently focused on two pilot sites, Ocate highlighted the importance of supporting the broader ASGM sector through platforms like the NCSSMPI assembly.
“While our project concentrates on two pilot sites, we are grateful for the chance to contribute to the entire sector through events like this. We remain committed to promoting the formalization, sustainability, and responsible growth of the small-scale mining industry throughout the Philippines, and we will continue to support the sector as it advances,” Ocate said.
The planetGOLD Philippines team and members of project partner mining associations with NCSSMPI’s newly elected president, Josephine Balonga and Asec. Nonita Caguiao during the 5th National Assembly of National Small-Scale Gold Miners of the Philippines. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Through these partnerships, AGC Philippines advocates for the formalization and sustainable development of the small-scale gold mining sector nationwide. By collaborating with the NCSSMPI, planetGOLD Philippines is not only promoting change but also helping to shape the future of responsible mining in the Philippines, one miner at a time. This collective push towards a safer, cleaner, and more equitable mining industry is an ongoing effort that promises to transform communities, protect the environment, and unlock the true potential of the country’s gold resources.
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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