Last week the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) once again organized a learning and networking event in its Responsible Gold series. Committed and interested representatives from the private sector, civil society, politics and academia had the opportunity to exchange views on the challenges and oppportunitites for responsible gold sourcing.

The Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 9 to 12 February. The Sector Programme Extractives and Development is proud to present an overview of our activities here.

Raw material extraction is associated worldwide with high human rights risks. The European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) strengthens responsible supply chains in high-risk regions, particularly in informal artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). To mark the International Day for Human Rights on December 10th, Lisa Süß and Mayely Müller explain how the EPRM effectively reduces human rights risks in the extractives sector as a multi-stakeholder initiative.

In 2024, the Sector Programme “Extractives and Development” invited Patricia Rabanye from the South African civil society organisation MACUA/WAMUA to speak on a panel at the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris. One year later, we followed up to discuss her perceptions about the impact of her participation as well as the ongoing struggles mining-affected communities and women in South Africa face.

The Responsible Mining Index (RMI+) edited by the World Resources Forum sheds light on sustainability-related disclosure in the mining sector. The RMI+ 2025 edition, supported by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), is now published.

The concept of a fair shift to low-carbon, sustainable economies and societies, known as “Just Transition”, is well established in the energy sector. However, it remains largely unexplored in regard to small-scale mining, despite clear interconnections. The sector programme “Extractives and Development” brought together international experts in a digital roundtable to delve into this nexus.