Artisanal and small-scale mining

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has long been recognised as an important issue with complex social, economic, environmental and governance dimensions that need to be addressed in an inclusive way.

ASM is driven by continued strong demand for a variety of metals and minerals globally. ASM is estimated to have contributed to as much as 20% of global gold supply in 2024¹ . Across many parts of the world, ASM activity is fuelled by economic and social drivers, and more recently, the impact of climate change on farming and other nature-based livelihoods.

¹ World Bank – Achieving Sustainable and Inclusive Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)

Our approach to ASM is based on the belief that a sustainable ASM industry can exist through the establishment of a co-existence framework that recognises different country-by-country dynamics and regulatory provisions. This can only be achieved through multi-stakeholder partnerships that leverage capacity building and improved access to safer, cleaner and more efficient methods of mining.

We maintain our view that ASM challenges are best addressed through a multi-stakeholder approach, where governments take a lead role.

Our ASM Framework, which outlines our guiding principles and provides a consolidated Group view of approaches and strategies, is premised on legal provisions and the socio-economic context of the host countries. Fully supporting strategies to regulate and formalise ASM, we advocate for co-existence of our operations with legitimate ASM while guarding the safety and security of our employees, communities, assets, and tenements.

Policies and standards

Performance in 2024

For further information, refer to the Sustainability report 2024: Addressing artisanal and small-scale mining