In the context of rising expectations related to corporate social responsibility (CSR), mining companies need to understand the importance of engaging constructively with artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and need to learn more from others about the experiences and lessons learned in the field. This document seeks to provide an understanding of the main issues and a conceptual framework for appropriate actions when engaging with ASM. It is intended as a practical and informative overview and is aimed at senior executives, corporate responsibility professionals, mine-site managers, and others who are seeking to understand the issues, dynamics, and key concepts of, as well as evolving approaches to, ASM.

This document is in draft format for peer review by a multi-stakeholder committee. We would greatly appreciate comments, ideas and experiences from industry representatives, civil society groups, government members and artisanal and small-scale mining practitioners to ensure the comprehensiveness of this document.

To download document, please click here (PDF, 4.9MB).

For more information, please see ASM.

Thank you.

    Questions to Consider for Feedback

1. Does the paper cover the main "right" issue areas concisely and clearly but with a sufficient amount of detail and analysis?

2. Is the paper written in a clear and logical manner?

3. Are the case study examples relevant, sufficiently explained, and would the paper benefit from additional examples? If you know of other case studies or examples which would be useful, please share them with us.

4. Are the tables useful and clear, and should others be included? If so, can you please share the data or sources of information that you would like to see included?

5. Is the paper relevant/”to the point” for a private sector audience (e.g. corporate-level and project-level management, community relations, security staff, etc.) while also accessible/useful to other stakeholders (i.e. ASM groups, policy makers, civil society and academics)?