ASIATODAY.ID, BALI – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia held the ASEAN-IGF Workshop on Formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Bali, Monday, April 29 2024.
This meeting is a series of events at the 11th ASOMM Joint Working Group Meeting and Its Associated Meetings (11th ASOMM JWG) which was held from 29 April to 3 May 2024. In the discussion several problems related to artisanal mining and small-scale mining were discussed in depth.
“All delegations from ASEAN countries who attended agreed on the importance of integrating Community and Small-Scale Mining. From the discussions it is hoped that initial recommendations can be produced, including initial community and small-scale mining management strategies and/or model frameworks or guidelines for the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining, ” said Director of Mineral and Coal Program Development Julian Ambassadur in Bali, Monday, April 29 2024.
Julian said that several countries have tried to issue regulations regarding community mining, but there are still many people who mine illegally.
“If it is not regulated and monitored properly, community mining has the potential for significant safety guarantees and environmental management,” stressed Julian.
According to a global study conducted by the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), around 80% of artisanal miners are mining without permits (PETI). This mining generally has negative impacts on the environment, health and safety, as well as socio-economic impacts.
“PETI could trap most miners and communities in a cycle of poverty and exclude them from the legal protections and support they need,” said Julian.
The 11th ASOMM JWG is a means of sharing knowledge and good mining and mineral processing practices, including from countries that have advanced mining aspects and international organizations that are very important for ASEAN countries.
“It is very important for ASEAN to learn how to integrate this sector into the economy, society and formal regulatory systems,” added Julian.
The 11th ASOMM JWG Workshop began with a presentation of the results of baseline data collection carried out in 2023 to obtain data and information from ASEAN member countries regarding artisanal and small-scale mining practices in each ASEAN country by Dr. Agus Wahyudi from the tekMIRA Mineral and Coal Testing Center.
The workshop consists of three topics, namely: (1) Presentation of the current conditions of artisanal and small-scale mining in each ASEAN country delivered by each delegation from ASEAN member countries; (2) Presentation of case studies or experiences/success stories and lessons learned in several countries and regions in integrating artisanal and small-scale mining into the economy, including formalization, regulations, technology and socio-economic aspects; (3) Presentation of framework models and examples of countries in formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining and how these frameworks can be implemented and implemented in ASEAN.
The workshop presented a number of experts who have experience dealing with artisanal mining, including Marina Ruete, IGF Senior Law Advisor and ASM Lead discussing the formality, informality and illegality of artisanal and small-scale mining. Prof. Gavin Hilson, University of Surrey, England explained about the informality and illegality of artisanal and small-scale mining in Africa. Andoni Torrontegui, International Partnership, ENAMI-Chile explains artisanal and small-scale mining in Chile and the role of the ENAMI organization.
Meanwhile, David Alcantara, Instituto Hondureno de Geologia y Minas discussed the strategy and implementation of the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining in Honduras. Marcin Piersiak, Alliance for Responsible Mining, who explained the formalization framework for small-scale artisanal mining and large-scale artisanal mining in Colombia and Peru in Cost-Benefit and Fiscal aspects. Fitsum Weldegiorgis, University of Queensland, Australia explains the governance and socio-economic aspects related to artisanal and small-scale mining. (AT Network)
Check out other news and articles at Google News and WA Channel
Discussion about this post