The term defines formal or informal mining operations that use predominantly simplified methods of mineral exploration, extraction, aggregation, processing and transportation. In general, is characterised by low capital intensity, low use of technology, and high labour intensity. can encompass different types of organisational structures, from individual men, women, boys or girls, to families or smaller groups, to associations or small enterprises, up to groups of hundreds or thousands of individuals. Levels of mechanisation can range from non-mechanised tools (e.g. pickaxes, shovels), to smaller degrees of mechanisation (e.g. motor pumps, ventilation, metal detectors), up to semi-mechanised operations using excavators, crushers, sluices, dredges, etc. The difference between ‘artisanal’, ‘small-scale’, and ‘semi-mechanised’ mining is usually defined in national mining legislation, based on criteria such as type of equipment used, depth of workings, size of surface area, volumes produced or level of formality.
There are at least 40 million people directly engaged in globally, and around 150 million people depend indirectly on as a livelihood. is also an important supplier of minerals, with an estimated production of 20% of globally mined gold, 80% of sapphires, about a quarter of tin and tantalum1 and 20% of gem-quality diamonds2,
is driven by poverty and opportunity. Many choose to work in due to poverty and unemployment and the lack of access to other livelihood activities. is often the alternative livelihood of population groups that are illiterate, unskilled, landless, or otherwise marginalised. At the same time, economic opportunity is a strong pull factor as can provide, or be perceived to provide, higher incomes than other livelihoods. is often conducted in addition to other livelihood activities or in times of economic or seasonal stress. can be a driver of local economic development, which is increasingly recognised by governments and development agencies.
Many involved in identify as ‘professional miners’ and cannot envisage working in other sectors due to their job history or aspirations. They carry out to continue a traditional form of livelihood of their local community or their ethnic group, or because offers an opportunity to climb up the social ladder through the accumulation of wealth and political influence, leadership of small enterprises, or ability to educate their children.
can be associated with human rights issues such as child labour, forced labour, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, as well as unsafe working conditions, significant impacts on health and safety, and environmental damage. Because it is often conducted informally or illegally, the sector is prone to exploitation through corrupt practices of public officials, criminal elements or armed groups, which can be connected to extortion, financing of crimes or conflict, money laundering, smuggling, or tax evasion.
activities often occur on a scale of formality, as illustrated in Table 4K.1. “Illegal” operations refers to activities that are explicitly forbidden by law, such as mining in a protected area or on a concession over which a private owner or large-scale mining company has exclusive rights. “Informal” refers to activities that are located outside explicitly prohibited areas but where legal or permit requirements are not developed or are unclear. In such cases, is not necessarily illegal, because it is not explicitly forbidden, but the law may be violated by not having the necessary permits or by not having conducted an environmental assessment, for example. Most legal frameworks specify the consequence for infractions. There are often no clear boundaries between the categories of ‘legality’ illustrated in Table 4K.1 and activities can move between these categories or fall under two or more categories at the same time.3
Table 4K.1 Possible status of the sector
often occurs where large-scale mining (LSM) also operates. may have occurred historically and may have been present even before the operator obtained their mineral rights. In other cases, may be attracted to the area by the presence of as part of site-induced in-migration. Interactions between and can take a variety of forms, ranging from open competition and conflict over land or mineral resources, to collaboration in the form of business-to-business partnerships.
often see interactions as a challenge due to potential competition over mineral resources. operators may consider themselves the rightful owners of the mineral, while operators may also consider themselves as having a legitimate (if not formal) claim to these resources, for example due to their history in the area, their embeddedness within local communities, or due to the perception that is only benefiting ‘foreigners’ and government elites. In such situations, may face incursions and trespassing by on their concession, theft of minerals, threats to safety and security of employees and contractors, as well as damage to their infrastructure, equipment and assets. may also be held liable for safety, social and environmental issues occurring on their concession, so poor practices may pose a regulatory, financial and reputational risk too.
Such risks and impacts need to be handled carefully, as mismanagement of interactions can further damage relationships, increase tensions, or result in allegations of human rights abuses. On the other hand, positive relationships between and can mitigate these risks, and can in some cases be turned into opportunities where a variety of scales of mining can harmoniously co-exist in an area.
The management of interactions between and and the management of related risks and impacts is complex and usually cannot be achieved by one site or company acting alone. It requires collaboration with other actors from the host-country Government, civil society or private sector, or the establishment of or participation in multi-stakeholder initiatives.