DENR to hold global forum on artisanal and small-scale gold mining

News Release

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is holding a global forum that will tackle issues arising from the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) on December 7-9, 2010 at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila.

According to DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, the forum will play a significant role in the preparation of a globally binding instrument on the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining.

“The use of mercury in the extraction of gold may be well-suited for small-scale operations but its impact on human health and the environment can be quite devastating. Constant exposure to mercury affects brain functions and damages the nervous system, particularly of babies and young children. And since mercury is often released into water bodies, it can disperse into other areas contaminating food supplies,” Paje explained.

Paje added that the forum will serve as an opportunity to consider how to best address mercury-related issues.

“ASGM is a source of livelihood for many families all over the world. The challenge lies in finding and promoting low-mercury or mercury-free production techniques that are low-cost and easy for small-scale miners to use,” he said.

The forum aims to achieve the following: identify and discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding ASGM and how mercury relates to them; identify potential solutions through replicable case studies and explore the lessons learned; explore how policy, legal, technical and financial considerations play a role in how ASGM issues can be addressed within the context of the global treaty on mercury; discuss what other mechanisms can play a role in addressing ASGM issues; strengthen the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-ASGM partnership; enhance global collaboration and coordination of actions; and identify examples of what the partnership has done to date and its limitations.

Expected to deliver his message during the forum is Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

International and local experts from UNEP, Artisanal Gold Council, Alliance for Responsible Mining, BAN Toxics Philippines, and Natural Resources Defense Council were invited to discuss various issues on mercury use and ASGM during the forum organized by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, in collaboration with the UNEP in Geneva.

Among the topics that will be presented are case studies demonstrating simple mercury reduction solutions; Trade, Gold and Economics of ASGM; Legal and Regulatory Issues; Financing the Transition Way from Mercury; and Negotiation of the Global Mercury Instrument.

As one of the largest users of mercury in the world, the ASGM sector received special attention from the UNEP Governing Council in its Decision 25/5, which called on governments to enhance efforts on “conducting awareness-raising and pilot projects in key countries to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining,” among others.(DENR)