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2023 | Buch

Introduction Kapitel lesen Erstes Kapitel lesen

Examining the ‘Golden’ Practices of Small-Scale Mining

Small-Scale Mining, Livelihoods, and the Benefits of Formalisation

verfasst von: George Okyere Ofosu

Verlag: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Buchreihe : (Re-)konstruktionen - Internationale und Globale Studien

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

Scholarship on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has often portrayed mining regions as ‘informal’ zones that suffer from environmental degradation problems. Water pollution and degraded landscapes, for example, have long been noted as the inevitable consequence of the operations of ASM. Such insistence on the institutional absences of ASM zones has dovetailed with a lack of academic attention to some of the ‘golden’ mining practices taking place there. Thus, this work seeks to (re)examine the topic of ‘development’ in ASM. The findings suggest that small-scale miners, contrary to popular perception, could be caretakers of the environment. In addition, emphasizing how the dynamic interplay between resources and environmental demands may come to support public policy, the findings illustrate, contrary to the dominant narrative, how the activities of small-scale mining operators can engender a win-win situation for both mining companies and local mining communities.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
According to the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a complex and diversified sector that includes poor informal individual miners seeking to eke out or supplement a subsistence livelihood, to small-scale formal commercial mining activities that can produce minerals in a responsible way respecting local laws. The artisanal miners typically use rudimentary mining methods. Comparatively, the small-scale miners often use mechanization although not as sophisticated as in the large-scale mines.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 2. Literature Review: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)
Abstract
This chapter presents a critical review of the existing literature of what has come to be known as artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). First, it provides an overview of the differential and often competing perspectives of what has come to define ASM. Second, it attempts to unpack the socio-economic significance of ASM operations, and its influence on livelihoods.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 3. Research Context—Ghana
Abstract
Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector continues to grow in significance. Its contribution to wealth creation, employment and the economy make it one of the nation’s most important livelihood activities, directly employing an estimated one million people and supporting approximately 4.5 million more. It accounted for 35 per cent of Ghana’s total gold production in 2014, contributing almost 1.5 million ounces of gold.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 4. Methodology
Abstract
The research project adopts a case study approach to unpack the mechanisms of land reclamation and water management practices, and labour mechanisms on the ground. In this section, an overview of the qualitative and quantitative research methods is first presented. Following this, the theoretical reasoning behind the choice of the qualitative case studies approach as employed in the empirical investigation is explored, and the potential caveats the researcher generally needs to be aware of is presented.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 5. The Land Reclamation Processes and the Mutually Beneficial Consequences to Local Mining Communities.
Abstract
This chapter starts with the analysis of the case studies underpinning the empirical inquiry. As earlier indicated, dominant narratives on ASM often portray mining regions as ‘informal’ zones that suffer massively from environmental degradation problems. The dominant orthodoxy has been that ASM is ‘bad’ for society and that miners are ‘criminals’ who have little or no regard for the dangers posed to the natural environment.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 6. Water Quality Management at OMCL
Abstract
Good quality water is important for the existence of man and all forms of life. Its pollution may have serious consequences on the health of living organisms. However, access to good and quality water can be challenging and a problem.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 7. Working Conditions and Labour Relations at OMCL
Abstract
As indicated earlier, small-scale mining activities continue to grow in many resource-rich rural communities. Recent estimates underscore this growth: 40.5 million people were directly engaged in ASM in 2017, up from 30 million in 2014, 13 million in 1999 and 6 million in 1993. With particular reference to gold production, the numbers indicate that ASM production in Ghana, for example, has increased substantially from less than 20,000 ounces in 1990 to 1.6 million ounces in 2016.
George Okyere Ofosu
Chapter 8. Conclusion
Abstract
This thesis began with the observation that although ASM occupies a relatively marginal presence within the wider world of global development, in many countries in the mineral-rich world, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector has been well developed, providing direct employment to millions of people. Millions of farm-dependent families of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, regularly turn to ASM during times of difficulty to help buffer against economic shocks and stresses; ASM is also a deeply-rooted pattern of livelihood diversification followed, in many cases, for generations. For example, as observed by Mantz (2008) in his study of coltan mining operations in eastern Congo, small-scale mining has been one of the few sources of income, prosperity or hope for most rural Congolese inhabitants.
George Okyere Ofosu
Backmatter
Metadaten
Titel
Examining the ‘Golden’ Practices of Small-Scale Mining
verfasst von
George Okyere Ofosu
Copyright-Jahr
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-658-39565-0
Print ISBN
978-3-658-39564-3
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-39565-0

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