NEWSLETTER

September - October 2025 / Volume 3

We are pleased to share the most significant developments of the MARS Program during September and October. These advances show how we continue to foster dialogue and partnerships for increasingly sustainable and inclusive mining. Progress has been made possible thanks to the close collaboration of the MARS Team with the Sida office and the Team Sweden Mining—especially Business Sweden in Colombia, Chile, and Mexico—as well as with the Swedish Embassies in the region.   

Highlights

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Salta, Argentina

Advancing an Inclusive Water Management Framework for Sustainable Lithium Production

After strengthening its relationships with key stakeholders in the Salta Province and establishing a Council of Experts, SEI is moving ahead with the development of an inclusive, integrated tool, covering both surface water and groundwater, for basin wide water management. The Council of Experts brings together members from the faculties of natural sciences at the University of Salta and the University of La Plata, with expertise in the climatology, hydrology, ecology, and socioeconomics of the endorheic basins of the Argentine Puna.

The involvement of experts lends legitimacy to the process, which is moving forward with the development of the initial hydrology, hydrogeology, and aquatic ecosystem models. These models will make it possible to represent the natural features and dynamics that govern the basin’s water system, providing a comprehensive, flexible, and user-friendly framework for policy analysis. The information needed to complete the tool comes from various data sources, such as remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and local knowledge. A key element will be ongoing dialogue with the community and other stakeholders, so that their experience and insights are incorporated into the modeling process and the tool’s development

Schematic view of the WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning System) hydrological model for the Salar de Pastos Grandes basin. Source: SEI. 

 Lithium production in Pastos Grandes, Pozuelos. Source: SEI.

After strengthening its relationships with key stakeholders in the Salta Province and establishing a Council of Experts, SEI is moving ahead with the development of an inclusive, integrated tool, covering both surface water and groundwater, for basin wide water management. The Council of Experts brings together members from the faculties of natural sciences at the University of Salta and the University of La Plata, with expertise in the climatology, hydrology, ecology, and socioeconomics of the endorheic basins of the Argentine Puna.

In this context, SEI is preparing the first “Robust Decision-Making” workshop, scheduled for late November in the community of Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes, with the aim of presenting progress and gathering feedback on the characterization of the water system and the setup of the models.

Chumbivilcas, Peru

Successful Completion of the “Territory in Dialogue” Strengthening Cycle

The “Territory in Dialogue” series brought together representatives from businesses, local communities, and government authorities to strengthen their role in territorial decision-making and to promote more sustainable, collaborative development. It also helped prepare participants from Chumbivilcas to engage more effectively in dialogue and consensus-building processes.

The sessions included specialized activities for key groups, such as the Chumbivilcas Women’s Association and the Agrarian League, both of which play a fundamental role in local development.

The process concluded with a multi-stakeholder dialogue that convened representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to address issues such as effective participation and the identification of priorities for territorial development. Taking advantage of the visit to the territory, meetings were also held with authorities and institutional actors in Cusco and Santo Tomás, including the Regional Government, the Provincial Municipality of Chumbivilcas, civil society organizations, and representatives from academia. With this cycle completed, the MARS Program plans to replicate the workshops in the town of Pasco starting in November. A closing session will also be held in Lima, with the participation of private-sector actors. Through these actions, the commitment is reaffirmed, and progress is made toward building a shared vision for the sustainable development of Chumbivilcas and Pasco. 

“We need to strengthen the organization and hopefully get support (…)We’re going to come together and take part in whatever spaces are needed.”

Representative of the womans's Association Chumbivilcas,
Peru

Tool Development, Regional

Corporate Sustainability and Regional Mining Associations: How Do They Connect?

The innovative “Organizational Self-Assessment Tool,” recently developed by our partner Centro Vincular in coordination with the OECD, within MARS’ regional component, seeks to encourage internal reflection within each mining association on its catalytic role in Responsible Business Conduct. Its effects are focused on strengthening the industry’s legitimacy and creating value for all stakeholders.

The tool is grounded in a holistic vision and in the leveraging potential of each association, as well as in its connection with the growing Corporate Sustainability requirements placed on member mining companies.

It is designed as an opportunity to analyze, organize, and connect the progress each institution has made over time and to outline potential areas to advance. The benefits of applying this tool will depend on the level of commitment each association is able to establish on the basis of a reflective, cross-cutting, and open analysis.

In the coming months, we will continue to explore and gradually promote closer coordination with the mining associations. 

Colombia

Driving Responsible Small-Scale Gold Mining through a Gender Perspective and Collaborative Partnerships

In Colombia, we continue to make steady progress in strengthening the formal small-scale gold mining sector. Together with Women in Mining Colombia (WiM) and with the support of the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), eight virtual workshops on leadership and empowerment are being held for women in the sector, which will conclude with an in-person meeting in December.

Likewise, we have launched the Diploma Program on Risk Management in the Precious Metals Supply Chain, led by Qpertino Lawyers and the Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana (UNAULA), with support from ARM. This 104-hour virtual program will run from October to December 2025. 

We also highlight the formalization of the new partnership between MARS and Aris Mining, consolidated during the Roundtable for Development and Sustainability in Manizales, Caldas. This agreement will promote responsible small-scale gold mining and the empowerment of women in mining territories, in coordination with local stakeholders to achieve real and measurable impacts.

Finally, in collaboration with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and the Chamber of Small-Scale Mining (ACM), we are organizing the event “Advancing toward More Responsible and Competitive Mining in Colombia,” to be held on November 14 in Medellín, with the goal of presenting the results of the baseline study on formal small-scale gold mining. 

The study shows growth in the sector, with more than 3,000 registered companies holding 60% of the country’s mining titles. While this reflects greater formalization and local dynamism, it also underscores the need to strengthen environmental practices, improve access to finance, ensure occupational safety, and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration. 

Specialists and sector leaders will take part in the event to share experiences and strengthen cooperation among government, industry, and civil society, with the aim of moving toward a national roadmap for more sustainable and inclusive mining.

Signing of the agreement with Aris Mining. Source: Mars

“Resilience, discipline, courage, and love are the invisible force that drives women miners to transform their territories with purpose (…)”

Participant, “Women Inspiring Women” workshop, WiM–MARS Alliance.,
Colombia

Partnerships

Collaboration with Team Sweden

Since the beginning, MARS has worked in close coordination and collaboration with Team Sweden Mining, and especially with Business Sweden in Colombia, Chile and Mexico, as well as with the Swedish embassies and Sida offices in the region. The goal is to leverage Sweden’s extensive experience and knowledge in mining and sustainability, creating synergies that mutually strengthen and advance the goals of MARS and the Swedish Government’s Trade & Development initiative.

Within this collaboration, we co-developed the agenda for the second edition of the Swedish Mining Initiative, organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Buenos Aires, and participated in sessions that fostered dialogue among academia, companies, governments, civil society, and development banks, to work together toward a more responsible and sustainable mining sector in Argentina.

Our regional partner, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), presented the progress of an inclusive water management model for more sustainable lithium production in the province of Salta province, underscoring the importance of early stakeholder participation in planning and transparency in the use of critical territorial resources. The visit to Argentina also included joint meetings with the mining association CAEM the provincial chamber in San Juan and mining authorities at both federal and provincial levels to explore new opportunities for cooperation around the sustainable development of copper.

Argentina is emerging as a key mining country in the global green transition. A partnership with MARS, together with Team Sweden, can play a key role in building a competitive and responsible mining sector, respecting the environment and generating value for the people.

“MARS and Team Sweden Mining brought together governments, companies, and academic
representatives in their shared goal of advancing sustainability in mining in Latin America.”

Representative of the womans's Association Chumbivilcas,
Peru

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Henrik Hallgren Programme Director
Andres Hernandez Regional Program Manager
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This executive summary presents the findings from the study “Workplace Cooperation: Finding Practical Solutions in the Colombian Context,” conducted by the Fundación Ideas para la Paz (FIP). The study evaluates the added value of the Swedish Workplace Programme (SWP) dialogue and cooperation model within the Colombian labor market.

Throughout 2022, FIP dedicated efforts to thoroughly understand the SWP model, including its concept, foundations, implementation process, and contributions to the labor market. In 2023, FIP documented the experiences of three companies—SKF Latin Trade, Securitas, and Epiroc—that implemented the SWP model in practice. The study also included face-to-face workshops to gather feedback from various stakeholders including civil society, businesses, government, academia, and international cooperation. The findings suggest that the SWP model has the potential to strengthen labor relations, contribute to decent work, and resolve workplace conflicts in Colombia.

The case studies highlight the importance of collaboration between employers and workers to promote decent work and sustainable development in Colombia. They demonstrate that social dialogue facilitates worker participation in labor decision-making, enhances their representativeness, and promotes cooperation between employers and employees, thus improving labor relations and contributing to the well-being of both employees and companies.

The SWP model is particularly noted for improving workplace relationships and commitment to jointly finding solutions to challenges faced by workers and the company. It empowers workers, enhances leadership, and helps integrate business policies into daily practices, reducing the initial disconnect between management objectives and the day-to-day realities of workers. The study also highlights the model’s capacity to manage conflicts constructively, transforming the perception of conflict as an opportunity for improvement. Structured dialogues deepen understanding of the underlying causes of conflicts, fostering empathy and facilitating effective resolution. This promotes a culture of collaboration and a democratic approach to decision-making, building trust.

Additionally, the model is recognized for enabling workers to make decisions, identify challenges, and propose solutions that impact their well-being, and bridging gender gaps in the workplace. Its inclusive approach adapts to the unique needs and characteristics of each company, promoting a stronger and more diverse organizational culture. It also drives good work performance and productivity by involving workers in problem identification and resolution, as well as in implementing improvements and efficiently identifying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks for companies.

The document identifies the SWP model’s added value in empowering direct interaction among labor stakeholders in Colombia, overcoming historical or cultural reservations, and contributing to the development of stronger labor relations and improved workplace environments in the country.

Challenges and opportunities of the model are also discussed. The study points out the importance of addressing value chain risks, particularly in a global context where corporate clients demand decent work processes and due diligence. It emphasizes the need to integrate SMEs into this process and use anchor companies as drivers of social dialogue throughout the value chain. The role of the state in social dialogue and the importance of highlighting the benefits of the model for adoption across various business sectors are discussed.

The opportunities of the model include raising awareness of human rights in the workplace in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP), to strengthen due diligence, manage risks, promote long-term sustainability, and improve organizational culture. The document also underscores the importance of involving workers in change processes, leveraging their insights for continuous improvement of processes, and fostering innovation opportunities. Lastly, it suggests replicating the model in value chains to address work environment risks and gender biases, involving suppliers and contractors, and integrating the model into corporate policies to strengthen existing programs and transform organizational culture towards resource efficiency and effective participation of employers and workers.