Sanity through associations in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector

摘要

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a major source of livelihood for many in thedeveloping world, and it can be a major source of revenue for governments. ASM makes amajor contribution to the total mineral output for some countries, for example, 80% in theDRC, 80% in Indonesia, and 30% in Rwanda. Considering the multiplier effect, millions ofpeople depend on ASM for daily survival. However, individualistic mining approaches inthe sector pose severe administrative challenges that hamper initiatives to foster efficiency.These challenges have led some countries to enact policies aimed at stifling ASM, evenwith the knowledge of its potential. The authorities argue that it would be better to dealwith a few large-scale miners than a large number of individual ASM practitioners. Thispaper explores the use of ASM associations as a means to alleviate administrationchallenges. Associations present several advantages in the running of the sector, since welldefinedleadership structures are established and representatives of each association interactwith the government, donor community, and law enforcement agencies, among otherproponents of sanity in this sector. A sense of ownership is instilled when the associationsare allocated mining claims that they are responsible for mining in an orderly fashion.Anticipated environmental, health and safety, social, and political challenges are smoothlyaddressed as the associations serve as vehicles for easy capacity-building in the sector. Therole of the government in terms of policy formulation and legal perspectives to support thesustainability of the associations are also presented, and the role of large-scale miners interms of ensuring sustainability of ASM associations is explored. The Shamva MiningCentre (SMC) in Zimbabwe is used as a case study to illustrate how value can be realizedin the ASM sector through associations. SMC is one of the ASM associations' successstories, and its model has been replicated in various parts of the world.