Formalization of artisanal miners: Stop the train, we need to get off!

Abstract

The formalization of artisanal miners, mainly gold miners, in developing countries continues unabated, although the results have not been fruitful. Due to the strong price of gold and increasing poverty, more and more rural workers are turning to artisanal mining to try and eke out a meager living. At the same time, many mining companies are buying up large concessions in top commodity-exporting countries. Invasions of company-owned concessions by “informal” and “illegal” miners are causing major conflicts in rural areas, leading to government-led military interventions in some cases. First, the legislation needs to be changed in order to directly correlate taxes with ore production and discard useless definitions of different types of miners. Secondly, formalization cannot exist without education. Uneducated gold miners, if formalized, will continue with their inefficient methods of mining and processing, which cause widespread atmospheric and fluvial pollution. Without training and the organization of artisanal miners into groups, cooperatives or associations, governments cannot expect that these rudimentary miners will be converted into educated, responsible miners, who are willing to adopt cleaner, more sustainable practices.