By Kgothatso Nhlengetwa
ARTISANAL and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) has been part of Africa’s history long before industrial mining came into play, contributing vast amounts of minerals like gold and gemstones, vital for technology and sustainable energy transitions, yet formalising this sector remains a difficult task due to its complexities.
A Fresh Approach to Formalisation
Multiple efforts have been made to bring ASM into the formal economy. Governments have tried regulation, while enforcement agencies have sought to root out illegal mining through crackdowns.
But regulations, without true engagement, are just words on paper.Instead of these top-down approaches, real progress comes when the miners are part of the process.
When solutions come from the ground up, success follows. Formalisation can’t work without the buy-in of the miners themselves. It’s not enough for stakeholders to dictate terms; they must collaborate with those at the heart of the operation.
Why ESG is Key
The way forward could lie in the ESG framework—Environmental, Social, and Governance.
This is not just about compliance, but a way to use ASM to uplift communities, provide jobs, and improve living conditions.ASM operates differently from large-scale mining (LSM). It’s about survival, about solving socio-economic problems at the grassroots level.
When we stop viewing ASM and LSM as rivals and instead look at how they can complement each other, opportunities open up. It’s time to shift the narrative to one of collaboration, not conflict.Real-World Success StoriesLet me share two examples where ASM and LSM found common ground.
In Ghana, a group of artisanal miners constantly returned to an area despite enforcement. Eventually, the mining company realised enforcement wasn’t the answer. The miners were trained, given safety gear, and allowed to mine in less viable areas.
They sold their gold to the company, and both sides benefited.In South Africa, a group of artisanal diamond miners faced violent clashes with law enforcement. It wasn’t until the mining company, government, and community came together that a solution was found: artisanal miners were given their own permits, formed a cooperative, and now sell diamonds to international buyers.These examples show that a win-win situation is possible, but it takes collaboration and a change in perspective.
Changing the Narrative
ASM must no longer be seen as a nuisance. Through ESG principles, we can turn ASM into a legitimate, formal sector that contributes to the economy and helps lift communities out of poverty. It’s time to embrace ASM as a key part of Africa’s mining landscape, ensuring that formalisation finally becomes a reality.
