IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining

The guide outlines a three-phase approach to managing artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Phase 1 focuses on preparation through the creation of a government task force, stakeholder consultation forums, and comprehensive context analysis. Phase 2 details the development of a national ASM vision and tailored management strategies that balance economic potential with the mitigation of social and environmental impacts. Phase 3 provides a framework for implementation, including legislative changes, the establishment of ASM zones, and the use of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to ensure long-term success.

• The guide proposes a three-phase framework for governments: 'Phase 1: Getting Started', 'Phase 2: Developing an ASM Management Strategy', and 'Phase 3: Implementing the ASM Management Strategy'.
• Effective ASM management requires a preparatory phase involving the formation of an ASM task force, the establishment of an inclusive stakeholder forum, a detailed context analysis, and engagement with national and international partners.
• Governments are advised to categorize ASM practices into three levels: 'unacceptable' (which must be made illegal), 'poor' (which should be phased out or forbidden), and 'good' (which should be encouraged and promoted).
• The guide recommends avoiding a 'one-size-fits-all' strategy, instead suggesting that governments organize the sector into types based on commodity, scale, mechanization, or deposit type (alluvial vs. hard rock) to create tailored responses.
• Management strategies should combine an 'economics approach' to realize the sector's economic potential and an 'impacts approach' to mitigate negative effects and maximize positive ones.
• Depending on government capacity, the guide suggests three types of impacts approaches: a 'license and regulate' approach, a 'promote good practices' approach, or a 'combined approach' using ASM zones and supply chain initiatives.
• To incentivize compliance and improve practices, governments can use conditional assistance (withdrawn if regulations are breached) and non-conditional assistance (such as healthcare, infrastructure, or technical expertise).
• The guide suggests that state-sponsored buying schemes can act as a regulatory tool by offering competitive prices to miners who comply with inspections and monitoring.
• Implementation requires a detailed plan including budgets, timelines, and legislative changes to ensure that ASM licenses are distinct from large-scale mining licenses and offer exclusive land access.
• A robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system is essential, involving the setting of baselines and indicators, annual reporting by implementing groups, and periodic reviews by the ASM task force to adjust the strategy.

APA

Paget, D., Garrett, N., & Crawford, A. (2017). IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/publications/igf-guidance-for-governments-asm_0.pdf

Chicago

Paget, Dan, Nicholas Garrett, and Alec Crawford. IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2017. https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/publications/igf-guidance-for-governments-asm_0.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Paget |first1=Dan |last2=Garrett |first2=Nicholas |last3=Crawford |first3=Alec |title=IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=January 2017 |url=https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/publications/igf-guidance-for-governments-asm_0.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{paget2017igf, author = {Paget, Dan and Garrett, Nicholas and Crawford, Alec}, title = {{IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2017}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/publications/igf-guidance-for-governments-asm_0.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }