Colombia - Strengthen the MRV system for the mining sector [CO-23-004]

Overview

This project responds to the request by the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Colombia to strengthen its monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) system for the mining sector, and to strengthen institutional capacity on MRV and data gathering.

The mining and energy sector is a significant source of methane and black carbon emissions, including from coal extraction, natural gas releases, and diesel fuels. Based on Colombia’s inventory (IDEAM, 2018) the mining sector is the third largest emitter after the forestry and agriculture sector, emitting 32,3 Mt CO 2 eq. Colombia’s baseline emissions under a business-as-usual scenario indicate that the emissions from the mining sector is projected to increase by 54,11 MtCO2 eq. Under a scenario where mitigation measures are implemented, emissions are projected to increase by 42,95 Mt CO2 eq. To address these emissions, Colombia has a sub-sector strategy for the mining sector within its Integrated Plan for Climate Change Management (Plan Integral de gestión de cambio climático).

The Ministry of Mines and Energy is in the process of updating its MRV reporting for the mining sector, working to identify baselines and indicators to evaluate the results from emissions reduction measures. This includes a methane emission calculation that requires a potential analysis and a definition of mitigation options that could be implemented in this sector.

This work will allow progress in the fulfilment of the Global Methane Pledge, a voluntary commitment to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels, to which Colombia is a member.

More information on Colombia involvement in the CCAC is available on their Partner Page.

Who to involve

This project will require close collaboration and engagement with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Energy and Mines. 

Expected results

Applicants are encouraged to propose additional outputs as needed to ensure the expected project outcomes are achieved. Applicants can determine the scope of outputs if not specified. The project is expected to deliver at a minimum:

1. The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Colombia has strengthened capacity for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) including data collection by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems developed or updated that include SLCPs.

Output 1.1:  Training of government officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines on international best practices for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of methane emissions from mine sources, including on recommended methods to improve MRV systems.

Output 1.2: Training of government officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines on data collection methods to better assess emissions from coal mines, including the gassiness of underground coal seams leveraging satellite data. Note: The mining region/ area of importance is to be defined in consultation with the government and should serve as an example of a way to inform future actions.

2. The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Colombia has increased capacity to assess methane mitigation measures for the mining sector, and strengthened MRV reporting by the end of the project or soon after.

Indicator: Number of government entities with a demonstrated improved capacity for SLCP action.

Output 2.1: Methane emissions mitigation assessment for underground and surface coal mines. 

Output 2.2: Proposed portfolio of mitigation options for methane emission reductions for the mining industry.

Output 2.3: Recommendations for strengthening MRV reporting for Colombia's mining sector. 

Application process

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for consideration, project proposals must meet the following requirements:

• Complete and submitted before the deadline
• Submitted by a non-governmental organization (NGO), intergovernmental organization (IGO), or other not-for-profit entity. Governments are not eligible to apply directly for funding in this call.
• Requested funding is within the estimated budget amount, or includes a clear justification for additional expenses 
• Project duration is less than 24 months
• Budget criteria are met and spending caps on expenses are respected. 

Please note that entities will be required to provide the last three (3) audited financial statements to be eligible for CCAC funding. These statements may be provided along with the application for funding or at the request of the CCAC Secretariat during the evaluation process.

For-profit entities may only participate in the project as stakeholders, co-funders, or end users. Applicants are encouraged to include for-profit entities in the development of the project proposal and/or during project implementation if their ownership of the proposed solution is key to the project’s success.  

How to apply

Eligible applicants are invited to apply using the Application Form and Excel Budget Form. Specific instructions on completing these forms are available in both documents. 

Applicants may choose to follow the cost range proposed above OR propose a different budget supported by a clear justification. However, applicants should note that cost efficiency will play a significant role in the selection process.

The completed Application Form and Excel Budget Form should be submitted to secretariat [at] ccacoalition.org (secretariat[at]ccacoalition[dot]org).

Evaluation criteria

Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Presents a clear plan to achieve the required outcomes during the lifetime of the project or soon after
• Includes a plan or activities to enable the scaling up of, replication of, or sustained use of project results over time
• Sets out a clear approach for enabling or contributing to SLCP emissions reductions and resulting co-benefits
• Involves relevant stakeholders 
• Approach is grounded in a strong understanding of relevant risks
• Complements other relevant initiatives, funding mechanisms, and existing policy processes
• Applicant demonstrates necessary capacity and experience to perform the work
• A realistic, cost-effective, and clearly justified budget and approach is proposed
• Project meets the minimum requirements for the OECD DAC gender equality marker Score 1

Selection process

• A preliminary review of proposals submitted by the deadline will be conducted by members of the CCAC Secretariat, Funding Task Team, and Board, in consultation with relevant CCAC Partners.  
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their proposals in further detail and to respond to follow-up questions about their application.
• Successful applicants will be invited to develop a Project Implementation Plan and Detailed Budget in consultation with the CCAC Secretariat and relevant CCAC Partners.

The selection process may take up to 6 months after the closing date of the call for proposals. Due to the high volume of requests, the CCAC will not respond to requests for updates or feedback during this time.

Note: Due diligence 

In addition to eligibility criteria outlined above, qualified UNEP/CCAC implementers* must meet the following criteria: 

• Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract and meet all existing commitments (financial health)
• Be able to provide proof of registration, proof of not-for-profit status and audited financial statements for the last three completed fiscal years 
• Have a record of satisfactory performance with UNEP/CCAC, when applicable; and  - Not have been suspended or debarred by UNEP/CCAC or another UN agency. UNEP/CCAC also considers entities included in the Security Council Resolution Lists to be ineligible for UNEP/CCAC agreements.

* (inter)governmental entities/ United Nations are exempt from this requirement

Procurement

As a general rule, Implementation Agreements allow for incidental procurement only, and as such, total costs in the following categories must fall below a certain threshold*:

• Contractual Services
• Equipment, Vehicles and Furniture
• Operating and other Direct costs
• Supplies, Commodities and Materials

*Agreements of $200,000 and below: up to $20,000 or 15% of total budget, whichever is lower.

*Agreements of above $200,000: up to $40,000 or 15%. * United Nations agencies are exempt from this requirement.