Deal Share Platform

AVPN Global Conference 2023 | 20 - 22 June 2023

Days

Hrs

Mins

Secs

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is an important direct livelihood for hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmar. ASGM is characterised by low levels of mechanisation and productivity, and often attracts socially and economically marginalised communities, who use gold mining as a means to escape periods of food and livelihood insecurity. Despite the significant potential of ASGM for community development, there is a range of environmental, social and health related challenges. Unsafe and excessive use of mercury, poor working conditions, a lack of access to investment opportunities and adverse environmental impacts undermine the sector’s transformative potential and present large threats to miners, surrounding communities and the environment. One of the biggest issues with ASGM is the high quantity of mercury (a powerful neurotoxin with serious health impacts) that is used in gold processing. This has caused serious long lasting damage to the environment and human health, and ASGM constitutes the single largest anthropogenic source of mercury pollution worldwide.

Turquoise Mountain, in partnership with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s ‘Suu Foundation’, aims to produce Myanmar’s first responsibly sourced gold. We will work with Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) community in Thabeikkyin township, Mandalay Region. The project aims to improve mining practices in line with international standards. The main focus of operation upgrades and improvements will be mercury and cyanide use, site rehabilitation, waste management, health and safety practices, and mine governance structures. Gold that is produced by artisanal mining operations that have upgraded and improved their practices will gain access to high-end international jewellery markets, and ultimately be able to command a premium price. This can be reinvested into community projects, enabling miners to continue to improve and upgrade their mining operations. This scheme will encourage miners to work in the formal economy and to develop long-term business plans, improving livelihood security. By engaging a wide range of key players, from the Department of Mines to Civil Society Groups, we aim to develop a model for sustainable artisanal mining that can be rolled out throughout the country. Our beneficiaries include:

Over 100 female and male artisanal miners from ASGM communities who directly participate in the project.
800+ members of the gold miners’ union who benefit through education and access to improved resources.
1000s of members of the gold mining communities living near mining operations, who will benefit from reduced environmental impacts of artisanal mining operations.
A further 500,000+ artisanal miners who benefit indirectly through ASGM policies.
Government of Myanmar who can collect taxes and improve environmental regulation of mining operations.

Promoting Responsible Artisanal Gold Mining in Myanmar

By

Turquoise Mountain Myanmar

Social causes

Beneficiaries

SDGs covered

Endorsed by

Anthem Asia Limited

Market of Implementation

Problem

Solution

Unlock this content

This is member exclusive content. Become an AVPN member and unlock more insightful content.

About AVPN

Members

Resources

Markets

Impact Communities

Capital Mobilisation

Events

|

|

Website crafted by a.d

Deal Share - Contact

Deal Share - Contact