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Formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining: Whither the workforce?

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  • Verbrugge, Boris
  • Besmanos, Beverly

Abstract

This article develops a critique of ongoing formalization efforts in the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector. By departing from erroneous assumptions about a homogeneous ASM-sector, and by focusing on the recognition of mineral property rights, these formalization efforts tend to overlook the massive informal ASMworkforce, and the complex sets of organizational arrangements in which it is involved. On the basis of a critical case study in the Southern Philippines, the article then identifies some of the opportunities and challenges associated with moving towards more inclusive formalization efforts, which target both mineral tenure- as well as labor-relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Verbrugge, Boris & Besmanos, Beverly, 2016. "Formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining: Whither the workforce?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 134-141.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:47:y:2016:i:c:p:134-141
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2016.01.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Yakovleva, Natalia & Vazquez-Brust, Diego Alfonso, 2018. "Multinational mining enterprises and artisanal small-scale miners: From confrontation to cooperation," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(1), pages 52-62.
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    16. Fernando Morante-Carballo & Néstor Montalván-Burbano & Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar & Paúl Carrión-Mero, 2022. "A Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Research on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-29, July.
    17. Laing, Timothy, 2019. "Small man goes where the large fears to tread: Mining in Guyana: 1990-2018," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1-1.
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