The multi-donor program is part of the the Alliance for Responsible Mining’s (ARM) Fairmined program which promotes an inclusive model of responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) based on the Fairmined Standard. ARM has been working in the area since November 2017 and, in January 2018, obtained the necessary funds to be able to reinforce its intervention in Ananea (Puno, Peru) and ensure a more permanent presence of the organization in the area.
Funded by Fondation Ensemble, US Department of State (through its implementing entity: Colorado School of Mines), Microsoft and Ford Foundation, the multi-donor program “Promoting an Inclusive Model of Responsible Artisanal and Small-scale Mining, based on the Fairmined Standard” aims at improving the quality of life of artisanal and small-scale miners, through the adoption of good social, organizational and environmental practices, with a vision of Ananea becoming a sustainable and responsible mining territory on a long term.
Apart from facilitating the Fairmined Certification of responsible mining organizations, the program promotes the participation of the mining community in the design of public policies, by encouraging transparent and inclusive territorial mining governance. To begin with, a Local Management Committee (Comité Gestor Local) formed by public, private and community stakeholders related to the ASM sector was established, which shall lead the design and implementation of a multi-stakeholder action plan focused on the development of responsible mining practices in Ananea. Synergies with the Regional Directorate of Energy and Mines (DREM) of Puno and other important local and regional institutions will be sought to build a network which supports the implementation of the action plan.
Moreover, the program not only supports ASM organizations but also the most vulnerable mining groups, such as women gold panners. Around 300 women practice informal gold panning in Ananea. They use mercury in an uncontrolled manner and are vulnerable to gender discrimination. Until today, these miner’s groups have received very little support. ARM will support them to improve their environmental, organizational and health and safety practices, as well as promote their inclusion and collaboration with formalized and responsible mines in the region.
Finally, the results and lessons learned within the program will be shared with the public through the publication of a case study.
An early achievement in the area which demonstrates that the adoption of responsible practices in mining is possible was the Fairmined Certification of the mining organization Oro Puno, as well as the recertification of CECOMIP. On Friday, March 23, these certifications were celebrated in the Ananea Municipality, during an event organized by the Better Gold Initiative (BGI) and ABR, who supported both organizations in achieving the Fairmined Certification.
BGI is a Swiss Cooperation project that aims to expand the production of gold extracted in a responsible manner, providing support to artisanal and small-scale miners to improve their performance in technical, organizational, social and environmental terms. BGI and its sub-contractor ABR, a private consultancy that supports mining organizations in improving their practices, are important allies for the implementation of the program in Ananea.
Fondation Ensemble – Promoting Sustainable Technologies