As part of the IGF’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Secretariat co-organized a workshop on the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to improve environmental, health and safety, and socio-economic outcomes in the sector. This workshop supports ASEAN countries’ interest in better integrating ASM into the wider economy to promote sustainable mining development in the region.
The full-day workshop began with government representatives sharing the results of a baseline survey on ASM in each of the ASEAN countries, highlighting current practices, mineral commodities, socio-economic and environmental aspects, legal and regulatory instruments, and government support for the sector. The presentation was followed by a knowledge-sharing session to highlight country and regional cases on integrating ASM into the formal economy, including formalization, breakthrough regulations, supporting technologies, and socio-economic aspects.
The workshop also included technical and policy perspectives on different approaches, mechanisms, and policy considerations for the integration and formalization of ASM from various experts, including
- Marina Ruete, Senior Law Advisor and ASM Lead, IGF
- Gavin Hilson, Professor and Chair of Sustainability in Business, University of Surrey, England
- Andoni Torrontegui, Chief of New Business and Innovation, ENAMI, Chile
- David Alcantara, Head of ASM, Honduran Institute of Geology and Mines (INGHEOMIN)
- Marcin Piersiak, Executive Director Europe, Alliance for Responsible Mining
- Fitsum Weldegiorgis, Senior Research Fellow, Global Centre for Mineral Security, University of Queensland, Australia
The workshop was attended by representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states and ASEAN dialogue partners, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the United States Agency for International Development.