Edward Bickham

Senior Advisor World Gold Council

Edward Bickham leads the World Gold Council’s programmes on artisanal and small-scale mining. His previous work for the WGC includes leading the consultation process in the development of the Responsible Gold Mining Principles and the Conflict-Free Gold Standard.
His career in the mining sector includes a decade as Global Head of External Affairs for Anglo American plc responsible for government and stakeholder relations, social performance, internal communications and ethics. He was involved in the development of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and served for seven years on its Board as well as being involved in other multistakeholder initiatives like the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the Cyanide Code (of which he is a Director).
He is Senior Adviser to ERM and non-executive chair of Levin Sources.
Edward has served as Special Adviser to the UK Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary and was involved in the launch of satellite television in the UK. He graduated in law from the University of Oxford.

2024 Agenda Sessions

Securing a future for West Africa: How artisanal and small-scale mining can be part of the solution

The region is facing a nexus of challenges in governance, pressures from climate change and rapid population growth and expanding terrorist activity.
There is a complex relationship between the artisanal and small-scale mining sector and conflict and criminality in west africa that requires solutions that go beyond repression and recognize the sectors importance and potential to local and regional development.
ASM is a critical source of livelihoods in the region and can be an instrument for peacebuilding and ensuring a secure future for the region if properly managed.
The sectors importance will only become more significant as environmental and social pressures increase.
Criminal exploitation of the gold sector and its linkages to conflict are fostered by persistent and widespread informality and lack of support for informal miners and gold traders.

Tuesday 06 February 13:00 - 13:45 Stewards Stage

Sustainability Series

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 13:00 02/06/2024 13:45 Securing a future for West Africa: How artisanal and small-scale mining can be part of the solution

The region is facing a nexus of challenges in governance, pressures from climate change and rapid population growth and expanding terrorist activity.
There is a complex relationship between the artisanal and small-scale mining sector and conflict and criminality in west africa that requires solutions that go beyond repression and recognize the sectors importance and potential to local and regional development.
ASM is a critical source of livelihoods in the region and can be an instrument for peacebuilding and ensuring a secure future for the region if properly managed.
The sectors importance will only become more significant as environmental and social pressures increase.
Criminal exploitation of the gold sector and its linkages to conflict are fostered by persistent and widespread informality and lack of support for informal miners and gold traders.

Stewards Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Disruptive Discussion

Breaking ground: How positive disruptions are setting a new course for artisanal and small-scale mining development

Showcasing examples of disruption required to realise a sustainable ASM sector for Africa
Experience sharing format that brings together representatives from the World Bank, government, large scale mining, and downstream supply chain
Highlighting two innovative World Bank led and funded initiatives (The Sahel Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Initiative & Virtu Gem)
Last 30 minutes will be dedicated to our Mining Investment & Research Battlefield finalists – who will each present their nomination on initiatives to formalise artisanal mining

Tuesday 06 February 16:25 - 17:15 Disruptors Stage

Disruptive Discussions

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 16:25 02/06/2024 17:15 Disruptive Discussion

Breaking ground: How positive disruptions are setting a new course for artisanal and small-scale mining development

Showcasing examples of disruption required to realise a sustainable ASM sector for Africa
Experience sharing format that brings together representatives from the World Bank, government, large scale mining, and downstream supply chain
Highlighting two innovative World Bank led and funded initiatives (The Sahel Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Initiative & Virtu Gem)
Last 30 minutes will be dedicated to our Mining Investment & Research Battlefield finalists – who will each present their nomination on initiatives to formalise artisanal mining

Disruptors Stage Africa/Johannesburg

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