Deborah Goldemberg, Brazil
“Illegal mining is not happening out there, it’s happening in our homes, because we are the customers that move this strong demand”
Deborah Goldemberg
Conservation Specialist / WWF Brazil
São Paulo, Brazil
Deborah Goldemberg, Conservation Specialist at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Brazil, has worked in the Brazilian Amazon for nearly 15 years and shares how the use of technology-based financial incentives for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) are necessary to prevent illegal mining in indigenous land and conservation areas.
Credit: João Laet/Guardian/eyevine
What is the current situation in Brazil?
In Brazil, there is a strong political polarization and finding solutions for ASGM touches upon this issue. The reality is this is very complex because artisanal and small-scale miners are not fond of environmentalist organizations, nor are environmentalist groups fond of artisanal miners (the environmentalist movement hardly discerns illegal miners from ASGM in general). So I often find myself in the middle of this war and it's a challenge to attempt a productive dialogue amongst parties. I get really happy when I see miners interested in our solutions (and vice versa), even though they don't admit it publicly! It’s rewarding, because ultimately, we are all just people negotiating space to fulfill our dreams.
Considering what you mentioned, what problems related to ASGM in the Amazon most need solving?
We need financial incentives for gold buyers and consumers that will allow for ASGM to be formalized. We also need to stop illegal mining in indigenous land and conservation areas. This can be done with the help of technology and policy measures whenever possible.
Are there any new developments or research related to the current state of ASGM?
Yes, we have been developing an innovative gold purchasing procedure to help the private sector independently monitor gold entering the supply chain using remote sensing. We’ve also completed microeconomic studies that show the cost of going responsible for ASGM producers and potential buyers, which can help make it a business case for them.
In your opinion, what are the greatest opportunities for innovation related to ASGM in the region?
In Brazil, we have no certified artisanal gold mining sites, not even a responsible ASGM discourse. That alone would be an innovation in Brazil. It must happen, with the impetus for gold buyers to pay more for responsible gold. Illegal mining is not happening "out there", it ́s happening in our homes, because we are the consumers that move this strong demand - gold is in our mobiles, our jewelry boxes and investment portfolios. It‘s about us triggering change "out there.”
What excites you most about the Artisanal Mining Grand Challenge: the Amazon?
I think innovative solutions are necessary, and the Challenge presents an incentive for the solutions to become popularized.
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Learn More about ASGM in Brazil:
Nature: "Illegal mining in the Amazon hits record high amid Indigenous protests"
