Latest news with #DavidTait
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mining in Motion Summit Highlights Growing Support for Formalized Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Sector (ASM) Industry
The second day of the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit highlighted global industry leaders advocating for greater formalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector (ASM). The event featured keynote presentations calling for increased cooperation between the ASM and large-scale operators to drive sustainable industry growth. David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, emphasized the scale and importance of the ASM sector, which provides livelihoods for over 40 million people globally. However, he noted that the sector continues to face critical challenges, including illegal operations and environmental degradation. 'With rising global demand and gold prices, illegal mining is on the rise - fueling civil unrest, child labor and depriving governments of billions in revenue that could support development,' Tait stated. 'There is a risk in slow policy responses. In 1990, ASM accounted for just 4% of global gold production; today, it represents over 20%.' He commended Ghana for its various mechanisms such as the Ghana Gold Board in addressing illicit mining. 'Government leadership is a fundamental requirement,' he added. He called for African markets to increase focus on the professionalization and formalization of ASM operations, increasing ASM access to legitimate financing, and the adoption of mercury-free processing methods. He also highlighted the World Gold Council's work with seven central banks, including several in Africa, to ensure gold purchases from ASM sources are channeled through legal frameworks. Additionally, the Council has developed a guide to foster effective collaboration between the ASM and LSM actors. Representing Africa's largest gold producer, Stewart Bailey, Chief Corporate Affairs&Sustainability Officer at AngloGold Ashanti, echoed the call for coexistence. 'ASM has been part of the value chain since we were incorporated. For many years our approach has been to co-exist with ASM wherever feasible,' noted Bailey. AngloGold Ashanti is working with governments, NGOs and global organizations like the World Gold Council to support ASM operators in adopting mercury-free practices, upholding human rights, and promoting environmental rehabilitation, according to Bailey. Allan Jorgensen, Head of Responsible Business Conduct at the OECD Centre, reinforced the importance of responsible mining practices. 'To unlock Africa's potential, we must confront the challenges associated with gold as a driver of illicit activities,' Jorgensen said. The OECD developed a Due Diligence Guidance, supported by governments and aligned with regulations like those of the London Bullion Market Association, to reduce environmental and social risks in gold supply chains. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'Like winning the lottery' - how it felt playing Old Course at St Andrews for £42.50
44 lucky golfers resident in Scotland get near-perfect day for a dream opportunity Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For just one day, they were probably the most-envied golfers on the planet and, boy, was it an occasion to cherish for 44 players resident in Scotland as they played the Old Course in St Andrews for just £42.50. Crow Wood member Paddy Donaghy played the Old Course with his future son-in-law David Tait | St Andrews Links Trust The opportunity was provided through The Drive, an initiative introduced this year by St Andrews Links Trust to 'widen access to the home of golf' in terms of playing the historic courses in the Fife town. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Between 9.10am and 10.50am on a near-perfect golfing day, the lucky players who effectively hit the jackpot headed out on the most-famous course in the world and, over the next few hours, walked in the footsteps of the greats of the game. Crow Wood member Paddy Donaghy played the Old Course with his future son-in-law David Tait | St Andrews Links Trust Paddy Donaghy, a 57-year-old who is a member at Crow Wood on the outskirts of Glasgow, played with his future son in law, David Tait. 'I've been playing golf since I was 10 years old, so that's almost 40 years now and I've never had the chance to play the Old Course,' said a beaming Donaghy. 'I heard about The Drive on the Scottish news and thought I'd put my name in to see what happens. The moment I received the email I couldn't believe it, it was like winning the lottery, a bucket list ticked. It has 100 per cent been my number one golfing experience to date.' John Ballantyne, a 66 year-old who plays his golf at East Kilbride, enjoyed the dream experience with his son, Andrew. 'I played here a long time ago when I was younger and I could never really justify the cost of coming back,' said Ballantyne. 'But, for £42.50, I thought let's jump at that. I'm over the moon. I'm proud that I've got my son here for the first time on the Old Course, it's great for the both of us playing together on the world's most-famous course.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Between May and October, a total of 179 tee times are being made available by the Links Trust to give golfers resident in Scotland the opportunity to play the courses under its umbrella at a reduced price. The Old Course offer, for example, was an eighth of the usual high-season price of £340. Brother and sister Grant and Laura Veitch played the Old Course for the first time together | St Andrews Links Trust 'I think this is a great initiative,' said Livingston man Alan Stewart, who is a member at Uphall at the end of his round. 'For amateur Scottish golfers, this is the pinnacle to be able to come and play here. It's a bucket-list experience and I was so excited I barely slept last night.' Brother and sister Grant and Laura Veitch both played the Old Course for the first time together. "I've been playing golf since I was six-years-old and playing here is It's obviously a bucket-list must,' said Laura, a member at Aberdeen Ladies GC. 'To drive over the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th and then get a wee bit of applause when holing a putt, that was good fun and such a special experience." James Boothy enjoyed a 'fantastic experience' in the company of his dad David thanks to The Drive | St Andrews Links Trust Grant, a member at Deeside, added: 'I think it's a brilliant initiative, we've been here to watch the Open before but never played and it's a once-in-lifetime opportunity that can't be missed.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Through the initiative, a total of 716 golfers in total will secure a tee time this year across the Old, Castle, Jubilee and Eden courses at a fraction of the usual cost.
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
World Gold Council CEO to Deliver Keynote at Mining in Motion 2025
David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, will participate at the upcoming Mining in Motion Summit - taking place on June 2-4, 2025, in Accra - as a keynote speaker. Representing the global trade body for the gold industry, Tait's participation underscores Ghana's growing influence in the global gold market. As Africa's top gold producer and the world's sixth-largest, Ghana plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring the stability and sustainability of global gold supply. The World Gold Council supports Ghana's mining ecosystem through various initiatives. Its Executive Program in Gold Reserves Management equips governments - including Ghana's - with global best practices to strengthen gold reserve management and attract investment. Additionally, the Responsible Gold Mining Principles offer practical frameworks for environmental and social governance, enabling gold-producing countries such as Ghana and companies to adopt more sustainable and ethical mining practices. The council reinforces its deep connection to Ghana's mining landscape with many of the country's key gold mining firms representing members of the World Gold Council. Notably, Newmont Corporation operates the Ahafo and Akyem mines; Gold Fields operates the Asumura, Tarkwa, Damang and New Obuasi facilities; while AngloGold Ashanti operates the Teberebie, Obuasi and Manso Nkwanta mines. As a source of data and insights on gold's societal and economic impact, the World Gold Council supports Ghana's continued mining expansion. The gold sector already serves as the largest contributor to the country's national GDP, accounting for 57% of total export revenues in 2024. With gold exports generating $11.6 billion last year alone, the industry is a major enabler of national development, funding critical sectors such as health and education. Mining in Motion presents an ideal platform for Tait to present global market trends, offering guidance on how Ghana can align its gold sector with international standards to maximize output, attract investment and drive economic growth. Mining in Motion is spearheaded by the Ashanti Green Initiative, under the leadership of Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom, and is hosted in partnership with the World Bank and the World Gold Council. Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting _www For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
