Local Perspectives on the Formalization of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining in the Madre de Dios Gold Fields, Peru

A growing number of governments and donors are promoting the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). They believe that doing so puts them in a better position to govern the sector, and manage the social and environmental impacts of its activities. This paper reflects critically on attempts made to formalize ASM in Madre de Dios in Peruvian Amazonia.