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.

On 9 July 2025, the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) and GIZ (Sector Programme Extractives and Development, Sino-German Center for Sustainable Development) jointly hosted a well-attended webinar on the evolving regulatory landscape in the battery sector and its global implications.

The extractive sector offers opportunities for economic development but is often characterized by inequalities. A new study by the GIZ Sector Programme Extractives and Development shows how a feminist development policy can be implemented in the sector.

In collaboration with the “Partnerships 2030” platform, the GIZ Sector Programme Extractives and Development has published a guidance note on gender equality in multi-stakeholder partnerships. The publication contains practical examples from the raw materials sector.

Meanwhile, the Forum Responsible Gold has become the port of call for questions around the responsible sourcing and trade of gold in Germany. The network now has its own website where interested persons can find information on challenges and opportunities in gold mining and responsible sourcing of gold.

The multi-stakeholder initiative was founded in 2018 and is coordinated by the Sector Programme Extractives and Development at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, BGR), commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ).

Once again, the Forum for Responsible Gold was represented with a booth at this year’s Inhorgenta, Germany's largest jewellery fair.

Through its presence at the jewellery fair, the Forum was able to help raise awareness among gold traders and jewellers about risks in the gold supply chain and present solutions for responsible gold. The Forum is coordinated by the Sector Programme Extractives and Development at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, BGR) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ).