An international event is taking place in Lusaka, Zambia from 15th to 17th April 2024, which is aimed at improving practices in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of Development Minerals. These are minerals such as construction materials, industrial minerals and semi-precious stones the mining of which support the livelihoods of millions of people, mostly in African countries.
The Forum on Sustainable and Inclusive Mineral Value Chains enables participants to share knowledge and innovations in artisanal and small-scale mining, on more sustainable and inclusive mining practices, and on value-addition to Development Minerals.
Held under the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Partnership Framework, the forum is organised by UNDP, implementing the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, as well as the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC/AUC).
“The European Union has been a long-standing partner with OACPS and UNDP in promoting a responsible extractive sector, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining and mineral value chains. This is even more relevant today, as the EU is actively engaging in strategic partnerships for sustainable supply of critical raw materials, essential for energy and digital transition, while promoting transparency, good governance, and responsible business practices to achieve SDGs”, said Henrik Hololei, Special Advisor at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships.
“This forum is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to learn from good practices and innovations for a sustainable and inclusive future of artisanal and small-scale mining.” said James Wakiaga, Resident Representative, UNDP Zambia.
The forum marks the launch of Phase III of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme implemented by UNDP. It revisits the Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration of 2018 on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, Quarrying and Development and showcases activities and practices by partners and participating countries implementing the Development Minerals Programme.
“Since 2015, the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme has been instrumental in raising awareness on the importance of Development Minerals, fostering capacity building, and promoting the formalization of artisanal miners, resulting in improved livelihoods across OACPS countries”, said Junior Lodge, Assistant Secretary-General for Structural Economic Transformation and Trade of the OACPS Secretariat.