The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development’s (IGF) 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on the theme “Building Tomorrow Together: Mining for a Responsible and Inclusive Future.” The AGM was held amid some of the worst crises the world has seen, including climate change and environmental degradation, as well as the COVID-19 crisis and its ongoing impacts.

The mining sector must respond to these crises and is facing calls to supply the critical mineral inputs to support the transition toward metals-intensive, clean energy sources to combat climate change, as well as continue to assess and manage the environmental and social impacts from mining. Consequently, the 17th AGM focused on a variety of timely topics surrounding mining sector governance, including artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), community engagement, critical minerals, environmental management, environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA), gender equality, local content, partnerships, taxation, and recent technologies.

The AGM provides a common platform for IGF member states, many of which are developing countries, to share their experiences and common concerns related to these issues.

The IGF was an outcome of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. It currently has 79 member countries. The Forum’s purpose is to improve resource governance and develop the sector as a driver of sustainable development, through limiting the negative impacts of mining and sharing its financial benefits. The IGF supports its members through conducting in-country assessments, providing capacity building and technical assistance, and promoting good practices and stakeholder engagement.

The 17th AGM of the IGF met from 19-20 October 2021 in a virtual format.

Funding for Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of the IGF 17th Annual General Meeting has been provided by the IGF Secretariat.