Researchers, civil society and policymakers have long been aware of the barriers to responsible finance in the mining sector, and the challenge this poses to formalization of the small-scale sector, besides being a missed opportunity to bring new leverage across the sector in favour of responsible trade. The last several years have seen a range of new approaches and initiatives to operationalise responsible finance in the minerals trade, both within and beyond the informal sector, including initiatives that integrate a gendered perspective. Key to taking on this challenge will be bridging the gap between formal finance and institutions at a global level, and and the miners and communities on the margins that are in greatest need of access to these services, and often are trapped in a cycle of informality. Specific themes and segments of this sector to be addressed in the session will include:
• New trends in responsible engagement of the financial sector in high-risk areas
• Revolving and commodity finance
• Rightsholder engagement and gender equity as financial risk management
• ESG investors
• Exploring the role of private equity companies
• Exploring the role of the insurance industry
• Development and trade finance, including public finance
