Artisanal and small-scale mining

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) refers to mining activities carried out by small groups, families, or individual miners using manual or low-tech equipment. It is a vital economic sector in many developing countries, especially in Africa, where millions of people rely on it for their daily livelihood. Despite its economic contribution, ASM is often unregulated, unsafe, and associated with serious social, economic, and environmental issues.

The State of Mining in Africa

Economic Importance of ASM in Africa
ASM plays a significant role in Africa’s economy, providing a substantial portion of the region’s gold, diamonds, cobalt, tin, tantalum, and rare earth minerals.

Over 40 million people worldwide work in the ASM sector, with approximately 9 million in Africa.
ASM accounts for about 20% of the world’s gold supply, 80% of sapphires, and a significant share of cobalt and tantalum production.
In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso, ASM is the primary source of income for millions of families.

Typical Characteristics of ASM
ASM can range from small individual miners to semi-organized groups using basic equipment.

Manual labor – Most ASM miners use shovels, pickaxes, sieves, and hand tools.
Lack of permits – ASM remains unregulated in many countries as miners do not possess official licenses.
Labor-intensive work – Low mechanization means ASM is labor-intensive and physically exhausting.
Increasing demand for minerals – The rise in gold and rare metal prices has boosted ASM activities.

Issues in the ASM Sector

Environmental Problems

Deforestation – ASM causes extensive deforestation, leading to biodiversity loss and worsening climate change.
Water pollution – Gold mining often uses mercury and cyanide, which contaminate water sources and endanger local communities.
Land degradation – ASM results in soil erosion, craters, and abandoned mining sites, making land unsuitable for agriculture.

Health and Safety Issues

Exposure to toxic chemicals – Inhaling mercury and dust causes severe neurological diseases.
Hazardous working conditions – Lack of safety gear, collapses, and poor ventilation lead to frequent accidents and fatalities.
Child labor – Many ASM mines employ thousands of children who endure physical exhaustion and exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Social and Economic Problems

Illegal trade and smuggling – Minerals mined in ASM often enter the black market, causing governments to lose significant tax revenues.
Exploitation of miners – Many small-scale miners receive unfair compensation as intermediaries and international wholesalers control the market.
Conflicts and violence – In some African regions, such as the DRC, armed groups fund their operations through ASM profits, fueling civil wars and human rights violations.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Lack of licenses – Most ASM miners operate without official permits, making their activities illegal.
Land rights disputes – Conflicts over resource access between local communities and large mining companies result in tensions and violence.
Weak government oversight – Corruption and inadequate law enforcement allow ASM to remain unregulated.

Solutions to ASM Sector Issues

Environmental Protection Measures

Mercury-free technologies – Use alternative metal extraction methods such as gravity separation.
Mine site rehabilitation – Implement reforestation and soil restoration programs to reduce land degradation.
Water conservation programs – Establish strict regulations to minimize water pollution and promote sustainable water use.

Workplace Safety and Health Protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – Provide ASM miners with helmets, gloves, and respiratory protection.
Safety training – Conduct training sessions on mining safety protocols.
Medical support – Set up health centers and clinics near mining areas.

Economic and Legal Solutions

Simplified licensing – Governments should offer easier and more affordable legal pathways for ASM legalization.
Formation of cooperatives – Encourage miners to form mining cooperatives to improve security and economic sustainability.
Fair trade systems – Support Fair Trade initiatives to ensure ASM miners receive better prices for their products.
Financing opportunities – Develop microcredit programs and investment options for small-scale miners.

Artisanal and small-scale mining is an integral part of Africa’s economy, providing employment and income for millions of people. However, the sector is plagued by regulatory challenges, environmental damage, and human rights violations. With better formal regulation, technological innovation, and improved workplace safety, ASM could become a sustainable and responsible industry that supports both the economy and local communities. ASM needs innovative solutions and a brighter future.