Artisanal Gold Council Responds to U.S. Department of State Funding Review

The Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) acknowledges the recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to pause new funding for various U.S.-funded projects worldwide temporarily. We understand and respect the new administration's initiative to review its commitments to ensure alignment with its policy objectives.

“As a Non-Governmental Organization headquartered in Canada and with operations in 9 countries promoting sustainable and responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), AGC operates under stringent oversight to ensure that all project expenditures are meticulously monitored and utilized responsibly,” said Roger Tissor, Executive Director of AGC. “Our commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering, and we consistently adhere to the highest standards in financial management.”

AGC's projects, including those funded by the U.S. Department of State, are designed with sustainability at their core. For instance, our "Roadmap to Responsible Gold" project in Guyana focuses on enhancing national strategies to build a legal, professional, and mercury-free ASGM sector. This initiative aims to identify suitable technologies and business models for mercury-free gold production, ensuring the industry can thrive independently without relying on external funding.

Also in Colombia, The "Technical Improvements and Training for Mercury-Free Gold Extraction in Colombia" project aims to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Bolívar and Cauca provinces. A key focus is the local manufacturing and deployment of the Helicoid Cone Concentrator, a mercury-free gold extraction system that enhances efficiency while reducing environmental harm. The project includes training, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring efforts, ensuring miners adopt sustainable practices. AGC supports Colombia’s commitment to the Minamata Convention by fostering local economic development and technology transfer, positioning the country as a leader in responsible artisanal gold mining.

We are committed to ensuring our projects do not evolve into perennial funding dependencies. Instead, we focus on empowering local communities to develop self-sustaining enterprises, reducing reliance on government funding or NGO grants. Our goal is to create lasting positive impacts that endure long after the completion of our projects.

AGC remains dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders, including governmental agencies, local communities, and international partners, to promote responsible and sustainable practices in the ASGM sector. We look forward to the outcomes of the U.S. Department of State's review and are hopeful for continued partnership in advancing shared objectives.