The Compassionate Gold (CG) Project continues to strengthen its engagement with small-scale mining communities in Mainit, Bontoc, Mt. Province, one of its three project areas alongside Tuba and Mankayan in Benguet. 

On October 2, the CG Project team, together with project partners and stakeholders, held a community consultation at the Mainit Barangay Hall, bringing together around 119 participants, including representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), OPENRO, Community Indigenous Elders, financiers, small-scale miners, women, and other stakeholders.

The consultation discussed the Minahang Bayan applied area, the benefits and importance of formalizing small-scale mining operations, and how the CG Project and its partners can support the community in this process. It also formally introduced Y’Mainit Small Scale Miners Inc. (Y’Mainit SSMI) as a project partner and provided a space for stakeholders to share their perspectives, identify common ground, and discuss actionable steps toward greater cooperation within the community. 

Alongside the community consultation, the team kicked off the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Survey, which will run until November 6, 2026. The survey aims to gather information on community members’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to small-scale gold mining to help inform succeeding project activities. 

Through continuous dialogue, research, and collaboration with communities and stakeholders, the CG Project moves forward in its work toward responsible and mercury-free gold production in Benguet and Mt. Province.