Resources

Direct smelting of gold concentrates, a safer alternative to mercury amalgamation in small-scale gold mining operations

Abbey, C. E., Nartey, R. S., Al-Hassan, S., & Amankwah, R. K. 2014 English

This paper reports on a study regarding a safer alternative method of gold recovery; direct smelting. This process generates a final product in one-step as compared to the three-step amalgamation, retorting/heating and smelting, currently practiced. Direct smelting has the potential to replace amalgamation and retorting because it is more effective, easier, quicker and cheaper.

Analysis for Stakeholders on Formalization in the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining Sector Based on Experiences in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Barreto, Maria Laura 2011 English

This document seeks to generate awareness and provide guidelines to policy makers and other interested stakeholders in the formalization of this sub-sector of the mining economy. 

Legalization Guide for Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM). Prepared for Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)

Barreto, Maria Laura 2011 English

The objective of this document is to provide guidelines that will stimulate the development and the improvement of public policy and legal frameworks for ASM for all actors who are directly or indirectly involved with the sector and are interested in the subject of ASM legalization.

Resources and Resourcefulness: Roles, opportunities and Risks for Women Working at Artisanal Mines in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kelly, Jocelyn T.D.; King-Close, Alexandria; Perks, Rachel 2014 English

This research shows women actively migrate to mining centers in DRC seeking employment. However, this relocation brings vulnerability to physical, sexual and economic predation. Programs should help promote women's access to safe and equitable employment in these areas. 

Aciertos, Desaciertos y Propuestas del Proceso de Formalización

Arista, Franco 2016 Spanish

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

Balikfokus English

Small Business Management in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector

Artisanal Gold Council and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 2019 English

This curriculum was developed as part of the project Developing Training Materials to Promote the Reduction of Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining. This curriculum is intended to help teach fundamental business skills to artisanal and small-scale gold miners. These teaching and learning materials are designed to be “open source” meaning that they are made available freely for use by programs, organizations and institutions of all kinds working in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector.

Formalización Minería de Pequeña Escala en Latinoamérica

Banda, E. Ramón; Franco Arista, F.; Jaramillo, Martín para Solidaridad 2019 Spanish

This publication addresses the formalization processes and the differentiation of illegal mining activities in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia that are crucial to ensure responsible mining.

Development and implementation of artisanal and small-scale gold miner training resources for reducing mercury use and release in South America

Biodiversity Resources Institute, Artisanal Gold Council, Cordy Geosciences 2015 English

This project has developed materials for training miners on technical alternatives and improvements that can be introduced to ASGM operations. These materials were designed with the goal of helping to improve efficiency in the mining process to increase gold recovery while simultaneously reducing the reliance on mercury in ASGM.

Global mercury supply, trade and demand

UN Environment 2017 English

A good understanding of mercury supply, trade and demand is critical to effective implementation of the Convention. This report provides detailed and timely information on where mercury comes from, how it moves in commerce, and how it is used in products and industrial processes.