PROJECTS
Artisanal and Small-scale Mining
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a form of subsistence mining, which provides a direct or indirect livelihood for over 100 million people in the developing world. It often takes place side by side to large scale operations.
ICMM members have committed to contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which we operate (Principle 9). ASM miners and their dependents constitute a unique part of these communities. The challenge is how to help legitimize what is sometimes an illegal activity, conducted in poor and unsafe working conditions, but drives the local economy.
The presence of ASM is sometimes associated with challenges, including poor environmental, health and safety practices, the spread of communicable disease, heightened security risks to neighbouring communities and operations, child and forced labour, inequitable distribution of benefits in communities and an illegal trade in minerals.
What is ICMM doing?
ICMM is developing collaborative solutions to the difficult issues surrounding ASM, by working with governments, NGOs, local communities and others. In 2009, ICMM partnered with Communities and Small-scale Mining (CASM) and IFC’s Oil, Gas and Mining Sustainable Community Development Fund (IFC-CommDev) to develop a key guidance document. “Working together – how large-scale miners can engage with artisanal and small-scale miners” brings together a number of approaches and tools for engaging with ASM operators.
This document has been developed as a pilot, so that further testing and gathering of good practices with companies can take place in a next phase.
In 2009, ICMM collaborated with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Minerals Commission to host a workshop on interactions between companies and ASM in Ghana. This resulted in a report that outlines pragmatic actions for the government, companies and other relevant stakeholders.
What will our work achieve?
ICMM’s work seeks to improve member capacity to positively engage with ASM operators. More broadly, our work demonstrates the business case for this type of engagement and sets ICMM members apart as industry leaders on ASM related issues.
PROJECT DETAILS
ICMM is developing collaborative solutions to the difficult issues surrounding ASM, by working with governments, NGOs, local communities and others.
- Contact
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
Principle 09:
Contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which we operate
Principle 03:
Uphold fundamental human rights and respect cultures, customs and values in dealings with employees and others who are affected by our activities.
© International Council on Mining and Metals 2010 │Terms and Conditions │Privacy Policy