The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF)

The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) is a voluntary partnership with more than 80 member countries, including most of the world’s major mining jurisdictions.

Hosted by IISD since 2015, the IGF Secretariat works with governments to advance their sustainable development goals through effective laws, policies, and regulations for the mining sector.

Through the Secretariat, we help governments take action to develop inclusive and gender-equitable practices, optimize financial benefits, support livelihoods, and safeguard the environment. Our work covers the full mining life cycle, from exploration to mine closure, and projects of all sizes, from artisanal mining to large-scale operations.

Driven by our IGF members’ needs, we provide in-country assessments, capacity building, technical training, publications, and events to advance best practices, peer learning, and engagement with industry and civil society. Our work is focused on the following key policy areas:

• artisanal and small-scale mining
• climate and critical minerals
• environmental management
• financial benefits
• gender equality and social inclusion
• laws, policies, and institutions
• post-mining transition
• socio-economic benefits