What is wrong with the Global Support Facility for small-scale mining?

Gavin Hilson
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Gavin Hilson: Gavin Hilson is in School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, The University of Reading, Earley Gate, P.O. Box 237, Reading RG66AR, UK

Progress in Development Studies, 2007, vol. 7, issue 3, 235-249

Abstract: The World Bank, United Nations and UK Department for International Development (DfID) have spearheaded a recent global drive to regularize artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and provide assistance to its predominantly impoverished participants. To date, millions of dollars have been pledged toward the design of industry-specific policies and regulations; implementation of mechanized equipment; extension; and the launch of alternative livelihood (AL) programmes aimed at diversifying local economies. Much of this funding, however, has failed to facilitate marked improvements, and in many cases, has exacerbated problems. This paper argues that a poor understanding of artisanal, mine-community dynamics and operators’ needs has, in a number of cases, led to the design and implementation of inappropriate industry support schemes and interventions. The discussion focuses upon experiences from sub-Saharan Africa, where ASM is in the most rudimentary of states.

Keywords: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM); livelihoods; Global Support Facility; sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:prodev:v:7:y:2007:i:3:p:235-249

DOI: 10.1177/146499340700700304

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