Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 06 April 2016 (ECA) – The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) launches its expert group meeting and validation workshop for the artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) study conducted in August 2015.
The primary focus of AMDC’s ASM study is to profile various African countries to assess the extent to which their ASM sectors can support implementation of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV). Equally, the study reviews current policies in Africa in order to determine the extent to which they support the viability of the ASM sector, and extent to which the sector is gender sensitive.
The workshop will provide a forum for structured discussion on practical and strategic considerations that will help shape AMDC’s subsequent engagement in the ASM sector in a manner that is consistent with AMV goals. Participants will consist of individual and institutional experts from academia, government, civil society and United Nations or other regional and international bodies.
A review of this study prior to its finalization will therefore constitute a distinct outcome of the workshop, to be held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on April 7th and 8th. Another distinct outcome of the workshop will be the recommendation of practical and feasible entry points for AMDC to carry out targeted initiatives that advance its goals for the ASM sector.
The workshop recommendations are intended to reflect an understanding that ASM presents some distinct challenges, which will require tailor-made approaches in order to successfully follow the tenets of the AMV and ensure its successful implementation across the continent.
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Note for editors on the Africa Mining Vision:
Formally adopted by African heads of state in 2009, the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) is the continent’s own response to tackling the paradox of great mineral wealth existing side by side with pervasive poverty. Simply put, the AMV outlines the roadmap to the transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socio-economic development in Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Daisy Leoncio
Communications and Advocacy Officer
African Mineral Development Centre
dleoncio@uneca.org
or visit www.africaminingvision.org