IISD Methodology to Assess Government Implementation of the IGF Mining Policy Framework

This guide details the methodology used by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to assess how member states of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) implement the IGF Mining Policy Framework (MPF). The process identifies strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in national mining policies to inform capacity-building and monitor progress.

• The assessment evaluates national and international laws, policies, and administrative frameworks against six specific dimensions of the Mining Policy Framework (MPF): legal and policy framework, financial benefit optimization, socioeconomic benefit optimization, environmental management, post-mining transition, and artisanal and small-scale mining.
• The assessment process consists of six primary components: desk-based research, confirmation of the assessment template, field visits and stakeholder consultations, preparation of the initial assessment, an in-country validation meeting, and the production of draft and final assessment reports.
• IISD utilizes a detailed Excel-based template to score the implementation of MPF standards using a colour-coded system: 0 (low-red) for no existing law, 1 (medium-yellow) for laws that exist but are not implemented, and 2 (high-green) for laws that are consistently implemented and enforced.
• The in-country assessment phase typically lasts 10 to 11 days, including meetings with government agencies, mining companies, and civil society, as well as one to two days of field visits to mining regions.
• A validation meeting is held on the final day of the field visit with approximately 25 participants, including the focal point and representatives from ministries of mines, environment, and health, to verify preliminary findings and ensure all relevant laws and stakeholders were considered.
• While designed for the MPF, the methodology is adaptable for other frameworks, specifically the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) and the Country Mining Vision Guidebook, to help states align legal and regulatory frameworks with national development goals.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (2014). IISD Methodology to Assess Government Implementation of the IGF Mining Policy Framework. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iisd-methodology-igf-mining-policy-framework.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. IISD Methodology to Assess Government Implementation of the IGF Mining Policy Framework. 2014. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iisd-methodology-igf-mining-policy-framework.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=IISD Methodology to Assess Government Implementation of the IGF Mining Policy Framework |date=2014 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iisd-methodology-igf-mining-policy-framework.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment2014iisd, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{IISD Methodology to Assess Government Implementation of the IGF Mining Policy Framework}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2014}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iisd-methodology-igf-mining-policy-framework.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }