" ملتقى التنمية المتكاملة لمنطقة المثلث الذهبي " Comprehensive Development of the Golden Triangle Area for Mining " ملتقى التنمية المتكاملة لمنطقة المثلث الذهبي " Comprehensive Development of the Golden Triangle Area for Mining

DAY 2 – SESSION 2 “Possible approaches to dealing with the artisanal and illegal mining in the area ”

MAP OF ARTISANAL SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINES

Small-scale operations are in the area west of the Sukari gold deposit and near AlQuseir: Five actively mined by local miners. Two show evidence of prospecting, but no indication of gold actually mined. Excavation occurs along the massive quartz veins. Miners use metal detectors to locate metallic minerals in the quartz veins. Once metallic minerals are detected, area excavated by hand or machine. ARTISANAL AND SMALL- SCALE GOLD MINES - I

Mined ore is either: Transported out of the area for gold extraction. Further crushed/broken on site to release free gold Mining camp conditions: All materials, water, fuel, food, etc. transported into the area. Workers stay in tents for extended periods of time. No women were seen at the active camps. ARTISANAL AND SMALL- SCALE GOLD MINES - II

TYPICAL GOLD-BEARING QUARTZ VEINS ASM MINES

FREE GOLD RELEASED FROM BROKEN QUARTZ ORE

Geology and Mines Alteration Two examples of poor mining practices On the left is the dump of a small-scale gold operation; on the right unnecessary excavation Near Roman ruins.

Both are a problem in the Red Sea Hills. Many small-scale mining operations are scattered throughout the Red Sea Hills Most are likely illegal Most concentrate on high-grade gold but other commodities are taken Environmental damage results No clean up occurs In other cases evidence for unnecessary damage is present for no apparent reason This damage affects the environment It also endangers precious archaeological sites Geology and Mines Illegal and poor mining practices

The Global Dialogue on Mining/Metals and Sustainable Development established in two meeting 2003, 2004: By 53 national Governments with an interest in the mining, minerals and metals sector. They decided Global Dialogue objectives best achieved by setting up the Inter- Governmental Forum in Feb The Forum was presented to the 2011 UN Commission on Sustainable Development as a compendium of best practices for governments to best deal with the full range of issues related to the promotion of sustainable mining. Egypt is a Member of this Global Dialogue on Mining/Metals and Sustainable Development Sustainable Dev. Artisanal Small Scale Mining

The ToR for the Inter-Governmental Forum states (in summary): Aware that mining, minerals and metals are essential for modern living and of the need to achieve sustainable development. So that the benefits generated today by the activities of the mining, minerals and metals sectors are shared and secured for present and future generations, That positive social and economic benefits are maximized while adverse environmental and social impacts are minimized. Acknowledging that national governments must play a leading role in creating a policy and regulatory environment to enhance sustainable development IGF – Membership ToR I

The ToR for the Inter-Governmental Forum states (in summary): Mindful of the relevant work carried out at all levels by governments, intergovernmental organizations, industry, labour, non-governmental organizations and others to promote the contribution of mining, minerals and metals to sustainable development, Recognizing the special characteristics of developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and the important role that mining, minerals and metals play in poverty reduction, economic and social development, determined to promote globally the contribution of mining, minerals and metals to sustainable development. IGF – Membership ToR II

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has great economic potential. Positive aspects of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining It can help to sustain livelihoods and reduce poverty Generate state revenue in developing countries. Negative aspects of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Adverse affect workers, surrounding communities, the surrounding environment and society at large. IGForum Consultation Recommendations I

Government has responsibilities to manage Artisanal Small-scale Mining (ASM): Help make ASM operations work safely and without harm to workers. To reduce and prevent environmental damage by ASM I Protect Indigenous peoples’ rights Promote gender equality, To maximize the social and economic benefits of ASM by helping ASM operations to realize their economic potential. IGForum Consultation Recommendations II

A government must play its role in managing ASM well : Governments will confront many challenges. Governments often lack the capacity to enforce regulations or run programs. ASM operations are often able to elude state agents, or ignore laws and regulations that they do not wish to follow. In fact, governments are frequently unable to make ASM operations acquire licenses or gain permission to mine. IGForum Consultation Recommendations III

The ToR for IGF membership recognises that the subject of ASM: To be approached in the context of sustainability and community development Requires action by governments Inter-Governmental Forum for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: Recognises the issue of ASM and provides a road map for ASM formalisation solutions Already received members feedback on the Draft Guidelines NGO’s are already implementing programmes to formalise artisanal and small scale miners SUMMARY: Sustainable Development of ASM