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April 2012
On the 2nd and 3rd of May 2012, the OECD Forum on implementation of Due Diligence in the gold supply chain takes place in Paris. The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) is participating with the objective of bringing its knowledge of artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) to the table. ARM would like to ensure that concrete implementation mechanisms are identified so that the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Gold will have the intended positive effect on artisanal and small scale mining communities in conflict areas.
Appendix 1 to the gold supplement aims to minimize the risk of marginalization of the artisanal and small scale mining sector while promoting conflict free gold supply chains and assuring economic and development opportunities for the miners. “If implemented correctly, Appendix 1 can be an excellent instrument that can make everyone a winner” says Laura Barreto, Chair of the ARM Board of Directors. “Integrating the appendix in the final guidance will prevent the guidance from being counterproductive and leave small scale miners in a situation that is even more difficult than the current one. With Appendix 1 not only the large scale mining companies will be the winners. The small scale mining communities will have a greater chance to formalize and escape the poverty trap”, she argues.
Read the full press release.