Resources

Case Study: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Madre de Dios, Peru

USAID English

While the ASGM sector is present across Peru, the department of Madre de Dios is the epicenter of illicit alluvial gold extraction and the accompanying deforestation. This case study examines the complex drivers behind ASGM sector expansion, the devastating impacts on biodiversity in the region, and the strategies implemented to address the impacts of ASGM in Madre de Dios by the Government of Peru.

The Intermediaries: Traders Who Threaten the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Efforts for Conflict-Free Gold

IMPACT English

IMPACT documents how registered traders and exporters in DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda provide a sheen of legality by declaring a small percentage of their gold exports while pocketing massive profits from the illicit trade. They thwart attempts to disrupt their scheme by reconfiguring their operations across the region when necessary or by creating phantom entities.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: Mapping the South African Ecosystem

CIRDI Mining Dialogues 360 2020 English

The study is intended to provide a systematic, evidence-based set of data-points that can inform a more comprehensive policy review process that positively facilitates sustainable and responsible ASM formalisation over the long term.

Improving Access to Formal Finance in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining

planetGOLD 2020 English

This issue brief reviews past experiences with delivering financial and allied services to the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector and examines existing barriers to attracting formal finance and investment in the sector. It concludes with recommended interventions for governments, donors and other allies to help improve ASGM’s access to formal finance in the future.

Critical solutions for ASGM: Facilitating the transition to the formal economy and better mining practices in Africa

PACT 2019 English

Illicit Mercury Flows and Governance Practices in Mindanao, Philippines

Jashaf Shamir A. Lorenzo, BAN Toxics IUCN - National Committee of the Netherlands English

This report documents the illicit mercury flows in Mindanao, Philippines as well as the various governance practices for mercury in the study areas. The study is conducted by BAN Toxics and focuses on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) communities in the island, where the majority of illicit mercury enters the country.

Assessing Drivers for “Formalization Readiness” in ASM Communities in Kenya: Understanding the Role of Cooperatives

CIRDI 2020 English

This study came at the request of the Kenyan State Department of Mining. Given the emphasis on ASM cooperatives in supporting the formalization process within national and county government policy, this study seeks to better understand what cooperatives need to successfully form, and how the government can best support cooperatives in the formalization process. 

Pulling at golden webs: Combating criminal consortia in the African artisanal and small-scale gold mining and trade sector

Marcena Hunter English

This report seeks to unpack how criminal consortia manipulate ASGM and associated gold flows to secure illicit rents and capture the sector. The findings highlight the need for nuance, especially regarding the role of informal and traditional actors in the sector. Through a more holistic understanding of the challenge, policymakers will better be able to identify and combat criminal consortia in ASGM.

COVID-19 – Call to Action for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains

OECD English

By the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group of the implemention programme for the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

UN General Assembly 2007 English