2016 Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) - The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Mining

The second day of the 12th AGM of the IGF discussed activities related to the MPF and learned of the experiences of three countries that have completed assessments of their national mining policies over the past year using the MPF as a guide.

A panel discussion examined the post-assessment training and implementation phase for capacity building and technical support for implementing best practice in the mining sector. In addition, the World Bank’s “Mining Investment and Governance Review” (MInGov) was introduced as a complementary sustainable mining assessment framework. Participants also discussed the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) and transparency policies and challenges during the morning.

Parallel groups during the afternoon considered issues related to water and ecosystems, water and climate risk management, and challenges and opportunities for employment, local purchasing and the shared value paradigm. On water management in the mining and minerals sector, key messages included the importance of seeing water management in the mining sector not purely as an operational concern, but as an opportunity for resource stewardship and multi-stakeholder collaboration. On employment, local purchasing and the share value paradigm, case studies and research reports were cited as demonstrating the possibility of the mining sector to engage in shared value creation, and involving different stakeholders working collaboratively and strategically to achieve benefits that​ encompass financial, economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions.

Lunchtime presentations addressed gender and power issues related to the artisanal  gold mining sector and the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals.

The 12th AGM of the IGF commenced on 25 October 2016, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Approximately 270 participants registered for the meeting, which opened with sessions focused on linkages between mining and the SDGs, including as they relate to gender, climate change, security and human rights.

Opening speakers stressed that mining can be an integral sector for sustainable development and in achieving the SDGs, but it must consider economic, social and environmental aspects simultaneously to achieve this potential. An assessment of the links between the Mining Policy Framework (MPF) and the SDGs was presented in the morning, and linkages between the SDGs and mining in regard to several of the areas that were identified as gaps between the SDGs and MPF were discussed in greater detail in the afternoon. Speakers in sessions on climate change, gender and human rights discussed the benefits of multi-stakeholder approaches, and ensuring that affected parties are represented and consulted in discussions on solutions. The discussions also revealed that there are a number of case studies, pilot projects and initiatives that can provide guides for taking action.

Lunchtime discussions included a review of effective governance mechanisms for a green economy. AGM participants continued discussing the first day’s themes during an evening reception hosted by the World Economic Forum.

The 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) and a number of associated workshops are taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 24-28 October 2016. The theme of the AGM is, “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Mining.”

Government representatives gathered on Monday, 24 October 2016, for intergovernmental workshops on regional priorities and best practices, followed by a discussion about IGF services and the IGF Task Force on Strategy. Three parallel discussions took place in the morning and afternoon, with participants discussing the same topics in English, French and Spanish. Following an overview of the IGF and the Mining Policy Framework (MPF), the three groups identified key challenges that countries face in optimizing the contribution of the mining sector to sustainable development.

During the report on the Task Force on Strategy at the end of the day, IGF Members were briefed on the IGF’s Strategic Plan 2017-2021. The Plan will be guided by three overarching goals: enhancing the capacity of Members to effectively manage areas of mineral resources and sustainable development that are under their prerogative; fostering multi-stakeholder knowledge sharing and collaboration through constructive and inclusive policy dialogue on good governance of the mineral resources sector; and supporting implementation of the MPF Framework by Members in order to foster good governance and the achievement of the SDGs.