LA TRINIDAD, Benguet—Compassionate Gold, an initiative of BAN Toxics, continues to advance responsible gold production by working closely with mining communities, government agencies, and stakeholders. Central to its work is the promotion of safer mining practices that protect both people and the environment, including alternatives that reduce reliance on mercury while strengthening transparency and accountability across the gold supply chain.
This effort aligns with the Philippines’ commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty that protects human health and the environment from mercury emissions. Through Compassionate Gold, BAN Toxics advocates for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in small-scale gold mining by promoting safer and more sustainable methods.
As part of this effort, BAN Toxics, through Compassionate Gold, participated in the Mobile One-Stop Shop (MOSS) for Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts (ISSMCs) held on July 8–9, 2026, at the Benguet Sports Complex. Organized by DENR-MGB CAR, the activity supported small-scale miners in processing permits and accessing essential government services, while contributing to efforts to strengthen Minahang Bayan areas as spaces where mining can be carried out legally and responsibly.
Based on registration records, more than 300 miners participated in the two-day activity, including approximately 275 men and over 50 women. While these figures reflect registered participants, actual attendance may have been higher as some miners and stakeholders present may not have been captured in the registration data.
A key highlight of the event was the awarding of ten ISSMCs to qualified mining associations from Benguet, Abra, Kalinga, and Apayao—marking an important step toward strengthening formalized small-scale mining in the region.
During the event, BAN Toxics Campaign Manager Antonio Dizon emphasized that responsible gold production must go beyond compliance and ensure that miners are supported to thrive through improved practices and fair systems. Meanwhile, Compassionate Gold Project Manager Arleen Sarabia-Honrade reiterated the initiative’s guiding message of “human welfare for every gram of gold,” underscoring the need to put people at the center of mining.
The principles highlighted during the MOSS reflect the vision of Compassionate Gold—a shared initiative advanced by BAN Toxics, the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners Organizations in the Philippines (NCSSMPI), Danish NGO Dialogos, mining communities, and partner stakeholders. The initiative promotes gold production that is legal, transparent, and accountable, while addressing key issues faced by small-scale mining communities, including eliminating mercury use, advancing decent work, protecting human rights, promoting environmental sustainability, supporting gender equality, and strengthening responsible gold supply chains.
This push for more inclusive support systems is also echoed in ongoing discussions around proposed measures such as the Minahang Bayan Act, which aims to enhance the policy framework for small-scale mining by providing clearer pathways for recognition, regulation, and sustained assistance to mining communities.
Through its continued engagement, Compassionate Gold reinforces its call for a mining sector that upholds dignity, safeguards communities, and moves toward safer, mercury-free gold production.