2026 AGC's Women's Month Series: HERstory in Transforming Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

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As we close our Women’s Month 2026 series, we honor and celebrate the women shaping artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). From their homes, to goldfields, to boardrooms, their work drives safer, sustainable, and more equitable mining practices. There is still much to be done to achieve true equality and ensure women receive the opportunities and recognition they deserve.

Through the HERstory series, we’ve shared journeys of miners pioneering mercury-free techniques, project leaders guiding communities, and analysts and interns advancing data-driven solutions. Each story shows resilience, leadership, and the critical role women play in transforming the sector.

At AGC, women are never an afterthought. In every project, from community engagement and training to policy development and governance, women’s voices and leadership are central. By supporting representation, building capacity, and creating opportunities, AGC helps women move from roles in the home and goldfields to leadership positions where they can shape change in ASGM and the wider industry.

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HERstory Series: Read Their Journeys

Follow the inspiring journeys of women transforming ASGM around the world:

𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐒𝐆𝐌: 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 ‍
From panning in rivers to leading a mercury-free gold processing plant, Vilma Padilla’s journey shows how women miners are transforming small-scale mining in Paracale, Camarines Norte in the Philippines. Her leadership proves that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.
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‍Read Vilma's story

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𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐒𝐆𝐌: 𝐓𝐮𝐲𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬
From picking “lucky stones” in the early days of ninja mining to leading trainings and representing her peers in mercury-free ASGM initiatives, Tuya Damdinjamts has spent over 20 years transforming small-scale gold mining in Selenge, Mongolia. Her leadership shows how women are driving safer, more responsible, and compliant mining practices.

‍Read Tuya's story

𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐒𝐆𝐌: 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐚
From discovering gold in her backyard to becoming a leading advocate for safer, mercury-free mining, Mundia Simusa now guides cooperatives and promotes responsible ASGM in Mumbwa, Zambia, with support from AGC through the Planet-GOLD Zambia Project. Her journey shows how determination, knowledge, and community collaboration can transform lives and strengthen the ASGM sector.

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Read Mundia's story

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𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐒𝐆𝐌: 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧
Our last inspiring HERSTORY for Women’s Month 2026, Vishanti Balgobin goes from goldfields to governance, balancing hands-on panning with leadership in Guyana’s mining sector. As a member of the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association, she champions responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and opportunities for women.

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Read Vishanti's story

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