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Small‐scale mining and its socio‐economic impact in developing countries

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  • Gavin Hilson

Abstract

This article examines both the positive and negative socio‐economic impacts of small‐scale mining in developing countries, and outlines some key measures for improving sustainability in the sector. It is important to clarify that, in spite of experiencing its share of environmental‐ and health‐related problems that adversely impact human quality‐of‐life, small‐scale mining plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the developing world, and contributes significantly to national revenues and foreign exchange earnings. Though these important socio‐economic contributions make small‐scale mining an indispensable economic activity, there is an obvious need for improved sustainability in the industry, more specifically, for operations to resolve pressing problems, many of which have wide‐ranging impacts. However, because most small‐scale mines are low‐tech and employ poorly trained uneducated people, it is difficult for the sector to improve on its own. Thus, governments and regional international bodies must play an expanded role in bridging critical information, techno‐logic and economic gaps. It is concluded that governments and regional organizations could accomplish much in the way of improved sustainability in the small‐scale mining industry by: (1) legalizing small‐scale mining and implementing sector‐specific legislation; (2) contributing to community development and providing increased economic support; and (3) providing training and educational assistance, and playing an expanded role in the dissemination and transfer of important technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gavin Hilson, 2002. "Small‐scale mining and its socio‐economic impact in developing countries," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 26(1), pages 3-13, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:natres:v:26:y:2002:i:1:p:3-13
    DOI: 10.1111/1477-8947.00002
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    Cited by:

    1. Ryan M. Yonk & Josh T. Smith & Arthur R. Wardle, 2019. "Exploring the Policy Implications of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-18, January.
    2. 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.
    3. Martinez, Gerardo & Smith, Nicole M. & Malone, Aaron, 2021. "Formalization is just the beginning: Analyzing post-formalization successes and challenges in Peru's small-scale gold mining sector," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    4. Takam Tiamgne, Xavier & Kalaba, Felix K. & Nyirenda, Vincent R., 2022. "Mining and socio-ecological systems: A systematic review of Sub-Saharan Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    5. Shah, Sobia & Khayyam, Umer & Mumtaz, Muhammad Zubair, 2021. "Artisanal Small-Scale Mining for sustainable livelihood in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    6. Arthur-Holmes, Francis & Abrefa Busia, Kwaku, 2020. "Household dynamics and the bargaining power of women in artisanal and small-scale mining in sub-Saharan Africa: A Ghanaian case study," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    7. Mark L. Wilson & Elisha Renne & Carla Roncoli & Peter Agyei-Baffour & Emmanuel Yamoah Tenkorang, 2015. "Integrated Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana — Part 3: Social Sciences and Economics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-24, July.
    8. Rodriguez, Mauricio & Smulders, Sjak, 2022. "Dynamic resource management under weak property rights: A tale of thieves and trespassers," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    9. Poignant, Adrian, 2023. "Small-scale mining and agriculture: Evidence from northwestern Tanzania," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    10. Alves, Wellington & Ferreira, Paula & Araújo, Madalena, 2021. "Challenges and pathways for Brazilian mining sustainability," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    11. Arendt, Rosalie & Muhl, Marco & Bach, Vanessa & Finkbeiner, Matthias, 2020. "Criticality assessment of abiotic resource use for Europe– application of the SCARCE method," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    12. Aldakhil, Abdullah Mohammed & Nassani, Abdelmohsen A. & Zaman, Khalid, 2020. "The role of technical cooperation grants in mineral resource extraction: Evidence from a panel of 12 abundant resource economies," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).

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