Latest news with #ASGM
Economic Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
World Gold Council pushes for responsible gold mining to combat criminal exploitation
The World Gold Council has said that it is ready to collaborate with governments and industry stakeholders to promote responsible gold that are sourced from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM). ASGM refers to gold mining that is traditionally conducted by individuals or small groups using relatively simple methods and is a critical livelihood across rural communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, yet about 85% of it operates outside formal regulatory frameworks, making it vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs and liable to cause environmental degradation. As the gold price has increased significantly over the past few years, this has become an even more pressing issue. Through research, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground partnerships, WGC aims to integrate ASGM into legitimate gold supply chains while safeguarding communities and ecosystems. We invite government leaders to engage with our findings and join us in shaping a more secure, transparent, and sustainable future for gold is characterised by low capital intensity and high labour intensity, and it accounts for approximately 20% of global gold supply and supports some 20 million informal nature of ASGM presents significant governance challenges. WGC's recent report, Silence is Golden, highlights how criminal networks, armed groups, and corrupt officials exploit the sector to fund illicit activities, including terrorism and organised crime. These actors take advantage of weak enforcement, lack of transparency, and fragmented international oversight. The consequences are severe: human rights abuses, environmental harm (especially mercury pollution), and lost tax revenues. For governments, the unchecked growth of illicit ASGM poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law. One of the WGC's key proposals to mitigate the negative impacts of ASGM is the development of responsibly managed mercury-free gold processing plants. These facilities have the potential to significantly improve gold recovery rates, displace mercury, enhance miners' incomes, and serve as aggregation points that enhance transparency and traceability in the gold value chain. They can also improve the ability of governments to regulate and formalise the sector and to build miners' and business can play a pivotal role in enabling the success of these solutions. This includes creating regulatory frameworks that support the establishment of processing plants, investing in infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships. Commercial viability must be balanced with social and environmental responsibility. By aligning national policies with international best practices, governments can help transition ASGM from a source of risk to a driver of inclusive economic can support formalisation through intelligent regulation, proper incentives and investment in enforcement, infrastructure and improved services in mining communities. Public-private partnerships are key to balancing commercial and social goals. For example, industrial miners working with responsible local small-scale miners through partnerships with entities such as the World Bank and World Gold Council, involving governments and large-scale mining companies,s can help to enact positive change
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
World Gold Council pushes for responsible gold mining to combat criminal exploitation
The World Gold Council has said that it is ready to collaborate with governments and industry stakeholders to promote responsible gold that are sourced from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM). ASGM refers to gold mining that is traditionally conducted by individuals or small groups using relatively simple methods and equipment. ASGM is a critical livelihood across rural communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, yet about 85% of it operates outside formal regulatory frameworks, making it vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs and liable to cause environmental degradation. As the gold price has increased significantly over the past few years, this has become an even more pressing issue. Through research, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground partnerships, WGC aims to integrate ASGM into legitimate gold supply chains while safeguarding communities and ecosystems. We invite government leaders to engage with our findings and join us in shaping a more secure, transparent, and sustainable future for gold mining. ASGM is characterised by low capital intensity and high labour intensity, and it accounts for approximately 20% of global gold supply and supports some 20 million occupations. The informal nature of ASGM presents significant governance challenges. WGC's recent report, Silence is Golden, highlights how criminal networks, armed groups, and corrupt officials exploit the sector to fund illicit activities, including terrorism and organised crime. These actors take advantage of weak enforcement, lack of transparency, and fragmented international oversight. The consequences are severe: human rights abuses, environmental harm (especially mercury pollution), and lost tax revenues. For governments, the unchecked growth of illicit ASGM poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law. One of the WGC's key proposals to mitigate the negative impacts of ASGM is the development of responsibly managed mercury-free gold processing plants. These facilities have the potential to significantly improve gold recovery rates, displace mercury, enhance miners' incomes, and serve as aggregation points that enhance transparency and traceability in the gold value chain. They can also improve the ability of governments to regulate and formalise the sector and to build miners' and business skills. Governments can play a pivotal role in enabling the success of these solutions. This includes creating regulatory frameworks that support the establishment of processing plants, investing in infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships. Commercial viability must be balanced with social and environmental responsibility. By aligning national policies with international best practices, governments can help transition ASGM from a source of risk to a driver of inclusive economic development. Governments can support formalisation through intelligent regulation, proper incentives and investment in enforcement, infrastructure and improved services in mining communities. Public-private partnerships are key to balancing commercial and social goals. For example, industrial miners working with responsible local small-scale miners through partnerships with entities such as the World Bank and World Gold Council, involving governments and large-scale mining companies,s can help to enact positive change
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mining in Motion: Ghana Targets Global Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Integration
Ghana is formalizing its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector to align with global standards, promote sustainability and boost economic integration. Despite ASGM contributing over 35% to the country's total gold output, much of the country's artisanal mining activity remains informal. Speakers during a Mining in Motion 2025 panel outlined steps to address this challenge and accelerate the global integration of Ghana's ASGM sector The session – titled Integrating ASGM into Global Supply Chains, sponsored by Emirates Gold- examined policy gaps, market barriers and innovative solutions to enhance the credibility and competitiveness of ASGM gold on the international stage. In recent months, Ghana has been making strides to foster a conducive environment for ASGM producers. According to Neil Harby, Chief Technical Officer, London Bullion Market Association, 'Recently introduced guidelines have improved Ghana's capacity to produce small-scale gold, but the risk-reward ratio still lacks.' As such, the Ghana Gold Board, established this year, has been created to oversee, regulate and manage all gold and precious mineral-related activities in Ghana. The Board aims to enhance regulation, maximize foreign exchange earnings, build gold reserves and promote value addition for national economic transformation. 'If you look at Ghana's reserves, they've been very static. So, we've sat down and looked at how we can leverage gold resources in the country. If we can convert a domestic asset but go through the processes to convert it to a foreign asset, then we can begin to build upon our gold reserves,' stated Dr. Steve Opata, Head of Risk, Foreign Reserves Management at the Bank of Ghana. Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has supported Ghana's efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector by addressing illicit financial flows and promoting responsible sourcing through tools like the Due Diligence Guidance and ASM Hub. Collaborating with the Ghanian government, the OECD helps develop policies to regulate ASM, which plays a vital economic role but faces challenges including environmental harm and links to illicit activity. 'You have to be sure that you have some understanding of the mapping of the supply chain. You need the management systems to help you understand the circumstances of production around those mine sites. We want to allow commercial relationships between small-scale and artisanal miners and international producers,' stated Louis Maréchal, Sector Lead: Minerals and Extractives, OECD. As a key player in the global precious minerals industry, Emirates Bullion Market offers significant expertise in gold refining and infrastructure development. In recent years, the UAE has become increasingly instrumental in Ghana's gold sector. In 2024, the country emerged as one of the top export destinations for Ghana's gold, accounting – alongside Switzerland – for 36.5% of total exports. 'Sustainability is conducive to operating with local miners. We want to know how their operations support the communities they come from. We only promote sustainable mining while safeguarding investor interest,' stated Sudheesh Nambiath, Manager, Dubai Multi Commodities Center, Emirates Bullion Market. Meanwhile, Rand Refinery supports Ghana's gold upstream sector by offering smelting, refining and metal recovery services. The company holds exclusive rights to refine Goldplat's Ghana output, with a mutual agreement on processing by-products. 'Working as a team with in-country producers, ASM producers and large-scale miners, the intention is to unlock productivity at a commercial scale,' stated Jason McPherson, Head of Sourcing and Business Development, Rand Refinery. With the launch of the Ghana Gold Board and strategic upgrades to its mining code, Ghana is aligning its ASGM sector with global standards. The country is positioning itself as a leading destination for sustainable gold sourcing, investment and innovation – proving that responsible mining can drive both local empowerment and global integration. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mining in Motion Outlines Strategies for Formalizing Ghana's Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Sector
Industry leaders at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit spotlighted Ghana's ongoing efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. Participants on an India Gold Metaverse-sponsored session – titled Case Studies in ASGM Formalization: Learning from Successes and Addressing Challenges – emphasized that formalization has the potential to catalyze sustainability, build stronger communities and drive long-term economic growth. 'We need regulatory and legislative changes that support small-scale miners and ensure that revenue from their contributions translates into real economic, social and communal growth,' stated Martin Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana. Ayisi called for bold regulatory and financial interventions in the sector, stressing the urgent need for investment in geological investigations and sustainable technologies to prevent encroachment on protected areas and improve sector-wide outcomes. From an regional perspective, Cisse Vakaba, Advisor to the President on Mining, Ivory Coast, emphasized the foundational role of geology in building a viable ASGM sector. He stressed that state support must go beyond issuing permits to include geological surveys, professional training, community engagement and digital tools for traceability. 'I really think that the basis for small mines is the geological aspect. This is the aspect where we have to work, to see the areas where they can exploit,' Vakaba stated, adding, 'The State must provide support. It's not enough to issue a title, a permit. We need to support prospecting and geological research.' Meanwhile, Melissa Correa Vélez, Program Manager, Swiss Better Gold, highlighted the human-centered approach necessary to make formalization efforts successful. Velez – through Swiss Better Gold's Boots on the Ground initiative – advocates for programs, including technical support and community-oriented training, that extend beyond legal structures to genuinely improve livelihoods and environmental stewardship. 'If you want to work with artisanal miners, work with them. Keep the miners interested in being responsible. If the miners lose interest because of the challenges, they will become illegal,' Velez stated. For his part, Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah-Asare, Lawyer and Entrepreneur, Typhoon Greenfield Development, emphasized that government support will be a requisite for ASGM formalization in Ghana, speaking candidly on social and financial challenges in the sector. 'By doing everything properly, the Minerals Commission of Ghana has been extremely supportive and made it worthwhile for us to do business. It's about partnerships and leadership in government,' Nsiah-Asare stated. Bringing a tech-forward perspective, Lamon Rutten, Managing Director and CEO of India Gold Metaverse, spoke to the transformative potential of digital innovation in the ASGM value chain. 'Blockchain technologies and AI can help improve artisanal and small-scale mining operations. Tools like geo-tracking, radio-frequency identification-equipped machinery and internet-of-things devices allow us to trace ore sources. If you really want to develop small-scale mining, work with local banks. Let them understand the sector and they will help drive sustainable growth,' Rutten said. During the presentation, the panelists agreed that projects including the Ghana Land Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project – a joint initiative with the World Bank – are setting a precedent. By offering financial and technical support, simplifying license through District Mining Committees, and organizing miners into Community Mining Schemes, Ghana is building an ASGM sector that is increasingly legal, sustainable and community driven. Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mining in Motion: Ghana Unveils 5-Pillar Strategy to Transform the Mining Industry
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ghana's Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, outlined a five-pillar strategy for the country's mining industry at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit. The strategy is aimed at reforming the sector while empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) initiatives. In a presentation during the opening of the summit, Minister Buah underscored how the strategy is designed to address illegal mining, which has significantly impacted the environment. Illegal mining occupies over 16% of the nation's forests, degrading more than 5,500 hectares. As such, the strategy seeks to address this issue by enhancing ASGM developments. ASGM operations have grown to account for 52.1% of Ghana's total gold exports in 2025, and the strategy aims to further optimize the industry's expansion. 'Of the $4 billion in goods shipped from Ghana in Q1, 2025, 52.1% is from artisanal and small-scale miners - hence the need to ensure that mining is done in a sustainable manner,' stated Minister Buah. The first pillar of the strategy focuses on reforming the licensing regime. According to Minister Buah, the Ministry is currently overhauling the existing Minerals and Mining Act to attract new investments and bring in fresh ASGM players. This includes reviewing and restructuring licenses to ensure they align with Ghana's national development agenda. 'The strategy came into implementation four months ago and we want to ensure we do mining right,' stated Minister Buah. The second pillar centers on enhancing law enforcement. The Ministry is collaborating with various government agencies to intensify the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in illegal mining. This includes the creation of an independent Anti-Illegal Mining Military Task Force and the reorganization of security operations at both district and community levels. Environmental restoration is also a key priority. Under the third pillar, the Ministry has reclaimed eight out of nine forest reserves previously designated as red zones for illegal mining within just four months. Reforestation programs are now underway to restore these degraded areas and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. The fourth pillar emphasizes stakeholder engagement and public education. The Ministry is working closely with traditional authorities, lawmakers, civil society organizations and the general public to promote sustainable practices and encourage collective responsibility in preserving Ghana's natural resources. 'Lack of jobs and skills has been the main cause of illegal mining and we are dealing with this directly by diversifying employment. We want to create over 150,000 new jobs,' stated Minister Buah. The fifth pillar aims to provide alternative livelihoods and job opportunities, especially for youth and individuals previously involved in illegal mining. Through programs such as the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Program for Illegal Miners; the 1 Million Coders Program; and initiatives by the Youth Employment Agency, the government is offering skills training and employment placement. These efforts are designed to reduce reliance on illegal mining and diversify economic opportunities across the country. The pillars will be achieved through various strategies such as the Ghana Gold Board, the Minerals Development Fund, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Geofencing of Excavators, the Investment in Geological Investigations of Mineralized Areas, Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives, the Blue Water Initiative, the Tree for Life Initiative and the Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat. Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
