Resources

IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining

Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) 2017 English

This guidance document presents a step-by-step process for governments to develop, implement and monitor an effective artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) management strategy.

IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining (FR)

Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) 2017 French

Analysis of Formalization Approaches in the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining Sector Based on Experiences in Ecuador, Mongolia, Peru, Tanzania, and Uganda. A compendium of case studies.

UNEP 2012 English

This document compiles the summaries of the five case studies that were developed for the analysis for stakeholders on formalization in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector based on experiences in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Documento de Orientación: Elaboración de un plan de acción nacional para reducir y, cuando sea posible, eliminar el uso del mercurio en la extracción de oro artesanal y en pequeña escala

United Nations Environment Program Global Mercury Partnership 2017 Spanish

Este documento representa una ampliación del documento de orientación del PNUMA: Elaboración de un plan estratégico nacional para reducir el uso de mercurio en la extracción de oro artesanal y en pequeña escala (PNUMA, 2011), y tiene por objeto reflejar los avances registrados en el conocimiento del sector de la extracción de oro artesanal y en pequeña escala. Aun cuando el presente documento de orientación no es legalmente vinculante y no debe entenderse como elaboración posterior o interpretación oficial del Convenio de Minamata, con él se pretende ofrecer orientación a los países para formular planes de acción nacionales que se ajusten a los requisitos del Convenio de Minamata, así como proporcionar información técnica, jurídica y normativa sobre cuestiones relacionadas con este tipo de extracción, que pueden ser de utilidad en la preparación y ejecución de los planes de acción nacionales. Aunque el uso de esta guía no es un requisito establecido en el Convenio de Minamata, tiene por objeto ayudar a los países a preparar sus planes de acción nacionales.

Guidance Document: Developing a National Action Plan to Reduce and Where Feasible, Eliminate Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

United Nations Environment Program Global Mercury Partnership 2017 English

This document represents an expansion of the UNEP Guidance Document: Developing a National Strategic Plan to Reduce Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (UNEP 2011), and is intended to reflect advances in understanding of the ASGM sector. Although this guidance document is not legally binding and is not to be construed as a further elaboration or official interpretation of the Minamata Convention, it is intended to provide guidance to countries in formulating NAPs that are consistent with the requirements of the Minamata Convention, and provide technical, legal and policy information on issues related to ASGM.

State Gold-Buying Programmes: Effective instruments to reform the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector?

RCS Global 2016 English

Can state gold-buying programmes (SGBPs) be an effective tool for governments – to not only bolster state financial reserves, but also to reform the sector, raising its standards and improving its environmental and social outcomes? And can these programmes operate in countries that often lack institutional capacity, infrastructure and stability? This paper analyses case studies in five countries, drawing out the challenges and potential factors for success in developing an effective SGBP.

SDC experiences with Formalization and Responsible Environmental Practices in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Latin America and Asia (Mongolia)

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation 2011 English

The present paper summarizes the lessons learnt by SDC and its cooperation partners at governmental,  institutional and community  level  during the past  two  decades. It is dedicated to the millions of artisanal  miners and their  families who deserve  a life in dignity, and intended as  a  contribution  to  the  common  global  goal  of  reducing mercury emissions.

Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Peru: A blessing or a curse

Peru Support Group 2012 English

This report argues that recognition of this diversity of responsible vs. irresponsible operators will be a key first step in allowing the government to develop adequate policies to effectively interact with the sector. The current policy of criminalisation, on the contrary, risks undermining an industry which represents one of the few viable sources of income for the country's impoverished groups.

La Realidad de la Minería Ilegal en Países Amazónicos

Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental (SPDA) 2014 Spanish

Este estudio nos ha permitido tener una visión detallada de la dimensión regional del problema, siendo uno de los hallazgos más relevantes la importante brecha de información oficial que limita el alcance y efectividad de las políticas de Estado para hacer frente a la minería ilegal e informal. A esta realidad se suma la heterogeneidad de criterios entre cada país para definir y medir los problemas de la ilegalidad e informalidad en minería. 

IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining (SP)

Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). 2017 Spanish