Media Dialogue Champions Responsible Small-Scale Gold Mining in the Philippines

The planetGOLD Philippines Project is paving the way for greater media involvement in championing responsible and sustainable practices in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. As part of its advocacy, the organization recently launched the second leg of its “Kapihan Tungo sa Responsableng Minahan,” a media-focused event series designed to foster informed and impactful coverage of ASGM. The event aims to enhance public understanding of ASGM’s socio-economic contributions, spotlight responsible mining practices, and address misconceptions surrounding this often-misunderstood industry.

This latest round of media engagement kicked off in Quezon City on November 13, 2024, and will continue in Baguio City, Benguet, on November 15, and Legazpi City, Albay, on January 16, 2025. During each session, participating journalists from Altermedia, Bulatlat, UCC, Thomson Reuters, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and PTV4 have the opportunity to delve into both the challenges and advancements within the ASGM sector. Through open dialogue and access to exclusive resources, the media is encouraged to produce stories that accurately reflect the realities and successes within small-scale mining communities across the Philippines.

According to Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager of the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) for planetGOLD Philippines, the Kapihan series serves a crucial role. “Our goal is not just to promote responsible, mercury-free practices in the ASGM sector but also to shed light on an often misunderstood and marginalized industry. Engaging with the media is crucial for reaching the public and fostering a deeper understanding of the significant role ASGM plays in national development,” Ocate said. “It’s the first step toward dispelling misconceptions and inspiring support for responsible mining practices that are transforming these communities.”

The Kapihan series is not only a venue for open dialogue but also a practical resource for media practitioners covering the ASGM sector. Each participant receives access to an online repository of essential documents, photos, and videos, ensuring their reports are well-supported by current data and visuals. planetGOLD Philippines further extends support in the story production process, aiming to elevate coverage on issues that often receive limited media attention. By creating well-rounded, compelling narratives, planetGOLD Philippines hopes to deepen public appreciation for the ASGM sector’s socio-economic value and environmental responsibilities.

The first series of Kapihan events began in 2023 and included sessions in Quezon City, Daet in Camarines Norte, and Bontoc in Mountain Province. These events successfully engaged local journalists, resulting in media coverage that brought responsible ASGM practices into the spotlight. Building on this success, planetGOLD Philippines aims to keep the momentum going with the current leg of Kapihan events, which will culminate in an upcoming media conference and a ceremonial turnover of the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) to project sites in Sagada, Mountain Province, and Paracale, Camarines Norte.

A central goal of the planetGOLD Philippines Project is to reduce mercury dependency in the ASGM sector—a significant concern due to the harmful environmental and health impacts of mercury use in gold extraction. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the project is a five-year initiative led locally by the AGC, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). By promoting mercury-free techniques and formalized, responsible mining, planetGOLD Philippines aspires to ensure that mining practices are safe and beneficial for communities and ecosystems.

With active projects in areas such as Sagada and Paracale, the planetGOLD Philippines Project has set its sights on creating sustainable development pathways within small-scale mining communities. By addressing the environmental hazards of mercury and advocating for regulatory and best practice standards, the project aims to transform ASGM into a more formalized sector that can coexist harmoniously with local communities and natural surroundings.

planetGOLD Philippines views knowledge dissemination as an essential part of its mission. The Kapihan series is a core element of its Knowledge Management strategy, serving as an educational platform for both the media and the public. These dialogues equip journalists with the latest updates, practical resources, and success stories from the ASGM sector, laying the groundwork for responsible and nuanced reporting. Through well-informed media coverage, planetGOLD Philippines hopes to increase awareness of the ASGM sector’s contributions to local economies and national development.

The media engagement sessions will also serve as a prelude to an upcoming media conference focused on ASGM in the Philippines. At this conference, planetGOLD Philippines plans to present a broad overview of its achievements and ongoing projects, especially highlighting the upcoming turnover of the Mercury-Free Processing System in key project locations. This system represents a milestone in the project’s commitment to mercury-free practices and will symbolize the beginning of a new chapter for artisanal mining communities in Sagada and Paracale.

Responsible ASGM practices are increasingly recognized for their role in sustainable community development. Ocate emphasizes that planetGOLD Philippines aims to transform perceptions of ASGM by showcasing the positive changes responsible mining brings to the lives of miners and their communities. “By fostering a better understanding of ASGM through media engagement, we can inspire broader public support for sustainable, community-centered mining,” she added.

The Kapihan series ultimately reflects planetGOLD Philippines’ dedication to engaging stakeholders at every level—from miners to government agencies and media organizations. By working collaboratively with journalists and providing them with the tools to convey the ASGM sector’s complexities and achievements, planetGOLD Philippines seeks to build a more informed, supportive public that advocates for responsible and environmentally conscious mining.

As the Kapihan series continues in Baguio and Legazpi, planetGOLD Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to mercury-free, community-oriented mining. With media engagement at the heart of this mission, planetGOLD Philippines aims to foster a culture of responsible, sustainable mining practices that benefit not only the environment but also the economic and social fabric of mining communities across the Philippines. Through this initiative, planetGOLD Philippines is shaping a future where ASGM is both a viable and conscientious industry—one that contributes to the nation’s progress without compromising its ecological heritage.

Watch this documentary of The PlanetGold Philippines for a good backgrounder on the dangers of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining: https://youtu.be/_B0iXy8FXpQ?si=Oj4gES8HYoLzkR9b