2024 Agenda Sessions

World Bank

Join us for the launch of the highly anticipated State of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Sector report on SDG5: Gender This ground-breaking report, a collaboration between the World Bank and PACT, applies the SDG 5 framework to examine gender inequalities in ASM and provides recommendations for creating a more inclusive sector.

Through in-depth analysis and compelling case studies, the report’s authors will discuss how including gender perspectives can enhance the ASM sector and offer practical suggestions for overcoming barriers to women's participation in ASM. Concrete recommendations include:

Make mining legal frameworks gender-inclusive 
Advance women's social protections at the mine and home 
Account for gendered differences in occupational health and safety (OHS) efforts at mine sites 
The report launch will feature a video presentation and thought-provoking lightning talks. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with two of the report's authors. The event will be followed by a press briefing at 4:00 pm in the Press Lounge.

This event is a unique platform for stakeholders, industry professionals, and media to gain insights and perspectives on achieving greater gender inclusivity in ASM.

 

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.
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• 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.

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

Towards a sustainable artisanal mining sector – why joint formalisation & professionalisation is the

• Unpacking at policy level – how do governments regulate artisanal miners? What are the much-needed government-owned policy reforms?
• Regulating to success – Why is a collaborative approach between artisans, LSM’s and governments mutually beneficial?
• Bringing artisans into the fold - How are international institutions helping to promote long-term engagement and in producing countries?
• Why can an artisanal mining policy that aligns with the aspirations of the Africa mining vision essential?