'Formalization bubbles': A blueprint for sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in sub-Saharan Africa. Issue 4 (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hilson, Gavin
• Is Part Of: Extractive industries and society. Volume 7:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 1624
• Page End: 1638
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- Formalization -- Poverty -- Livelihoods; Mineral industries -- Periodicals; Gas industry -- Periodicals; Petroleum industry and trade -- Periodicals; 338.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2020.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-790X

Abstract

Highlights: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) provides direct employment to tens of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of this activity, however, is unlicensed, which has led to its economic importance in the region going overlooked. Governments, under the guidance of donors, have struggled to facilitate the formalization of ASM in the region. The rift between host governments and burgeoning groups of informal ASM operators is a significant barrier to addressing this. 'Formalization bubbles' are introduced here as a framework for bridging this divide. Abstract: This paper introduces 'formalization bubbles' as a framework to facilitate the regularization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) – low-tech, labour-intensive mineral extraction and processing – in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being the most important rural non-farm activity in sub-Saharan Africa today, providing direct employment to millions of people, generating revenue that sustains subsistence agriculture, and spawning numerous economic activities both upstream and downstream, ASM continues to be routinely overlooked in the region's economic and development plans. The main reason why is its persistent informality which, despite being fuelled by inappropriate laws and policy frameworks, governments across sub-Saharan Africa refuse to tackle directly. 'Formalization bubbles', however, provide a framework for bridging the growing chasm and facilitating much-needed dialogue between the region's growing number of informal ASM operators on the one hand, and government officials on the other hand. They also provide a decentralized platform for licensing informal ASM operators; help to create environments in which support services for the sector can be anchored, and innovation can be stimulated; and bring together key stakeholders in settings where they can be held more accountable for their actions.