Resources

USAID: Sector Environmental Guideline (SEG): ASM

Battelle and The Cadmus Group, Inc. USAID 2017 English

These guidelines are designed for project managers, project implementers, practitioners, or others working on development or environmental management projects that could impact ASM projects or communities that engage in ASM.  This document addresses: (1) impact of development projects on ASM; (2) impacts of ASM on the environment, health, and socio-political systems; (3) best practices on mitigation measures for minimizing impacts of ASM; (4) impact of climate change on ASM; and (5) impact of ASM on climate change. 

World emissions of mercury from artisanal and small scale gold mining and the knowledge gaps about them

Kevin H. Telmer and Marcello M. Veiga 2008 English

The authors estimate mercury releases from artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) based on available data about mercury and gold exports and imports by country and from field reports from the countries known to have active ASGM communities.

Developing Training Materials to Promote the Reduction of Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining

APEC Secretariat 2019 English

This report summarizes the activities and results of the project Developing Training Materials to Promote the Reduction of Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining. Overall, the project sought to produce a business training module based on leading global practice in ASGM and designed to promote Minamata Convention compliance. This project is intended to enhance coordination among ASGM education programs throughout the APEC region in support of domestic and international mercury reduction efforts.

A Rapid Assessment of Gold and Financial Flows linked to Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Mongolia

Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime Levin Sources 2017 English

Levin Sources and the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime produced two case studies identifying financial flows - both licit and illicit - in Mongolian and Filipino artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sectors. This report, focusing on Mongolia, provides a nuanced first-look at how stakeholders can better understand and respond to the role gold supply chains and financial flows play in formalization efforts.

Understanding the use and trade of toxic chemicals in artisanal gold mining: The case of Burkina Faso

Poorva Karkare, ECPDM 2020 English

This note shines light on the use and trade of toxic chemicals in ASGM in Burkina Faso. It argues that interventions to reduce the use of mercury in ASGM operations need to be designed keeping in mind the complexity of the sector, including the actors involved and the fluid arrangements that they strike to win gold. In fact, mercury and gold trade are closely interlinked. Moreover, mercury has become an integral part in the pre-financing arrangements, a dominant form of funding operations in return for gold. These networks of pre-financiers are involved in the smuggling of gold to avoid paying taxes.

Vilma Morales: "Bolivia would be the country of origin of the mercury that reaches Peru" | INTERVIEW

Yvette Sierra Praeli 2020 English

Vilma Morales is a chemical engineer and one of the main mercury experts in Peru. Her work in hazardous waste management has led her to investigate and learn how this heavy metal behaves, causing so much damage to the environment and people's health, especially due to its use in legal and illegal mining.

Collection of reports as published by Balifokus covering a number of topics.

Balikfokus English

OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas

OECD 2016 English

The OECD DDG provides step-by-step management recommendations endorsed by governments for global responsible supply chains of all minerals, in order for companies to respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral or metal purchasing decisions and practices. This Guidance for minerals may be used by any company potentially sourcing any minerals or metals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, and is intended to cultivate transparent, conflict-free supply chains and sustainable corporate engagement in the minerals sector.

A Rapid Assessment of Gold and Financial Flows linked to Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in the Philippines: Follow the Money Philippines

Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime Levin Sources 2017 English

Levin Sources and the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime produced two case studies identifying financial flows-both licit and illicit- in Mongolian and Filipino ASGM sectors. This report, focusing on The Philippines, provides a nuanced first-look at how stakeholders can better understand and respond to the role gold supply chains and financial flows play in formalization efforts.

Integrated Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana

M Wilson, E Renne, C Roncoli, P Agyei-Baffour, E Tenkorang English

This report is one of three synthesis documents produced via an integrated assessment (IA) that aims to increase understanding of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Given the complexities surrounding ASGM, an IA framework was utilized to analyze economic, social, health, and environmental data, and co-develop evidence-based responses with pertinent stakeholders.