IMPACT

The Programme has significantly advanced the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector across 40+ ACP countries and with direct project implementation in 10 countries by creating an enabling environment for artisanal and small-scale miners and strengthening the capacities of miners and public institutions. Overall, the Programme has fostered growth and sustainability in the ASM sector, with a strong focus on inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and economic empowerment. Key highlights include:

Organization and formalization of artisanal mining: Formalization not only provides legal recognition, but also enables access to support services, training, and potentially financing, contributing to the long-term sustainability of ASM operations. Our Programme conducted extensive campaigns, trainings and capacity building events to support artisanal and small-scale miners in organization, improved governance of ASM cooperatives, as well as registration and legal formalization of ASM. At least four hundred ASM cooperatives & enterprises with 21,000+ miners formalized in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, Congo Republic, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, 200+ government officials (40 percent women) trained as trainers. 

Knowledge exchange: Organized and facilitated 220 events on policy advocacy, engaging over 29,000 participants and sharing best practices. The Programme fostered knowledge exchange between African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, facilitating the sharing of best practices and lessons learned in mineral regulation, digitalization, and ASM governance.

Putting Development Minerals “on the map”: The Programme creates evidence and knowledge to help gain a deeper understanding of the Development Minerals sector. It conducted baseline studies and ASM censuses in 10 ACP countries, enhancing knowledge and understanding of the Development Minerals sector. This evidence base informed the development of targeted strategies and interventions. The Programme also supported creation or digitization of geological and digital maps with focus on Development Minerals. 

Improving environmental and social practices: The Programme strengthened environmental, social, governance (ESG) and safety practices in artisanal and small-scale mining, developed and disseminated ASM-friendly environmental management toolkits and provided on-site training on sustainable mining practices, conflict management, safety, health, and environmental restoration. By equipping miners with knowledge and promoting the adoption of better practices, the programme contributed to reducing the negative environmental and social impacts associated with ASM activities.

Women’s empowerment: Implemented targeted initiatives to empower women miners and cooperatives, enhancing their leadership roles and participation in the mining sector.

Business development: Improved access to markets for ASM through training, small grants, and participation in business fairs, benefiting over 20,000 people.

Value-addition: Promoted skills development for value addition to Development Minerals and supported new technologies for productivity enhancement and production of low-carbon, circular and greener materials.

Low-carbon development: The Programme fostered innovation in low-carbon materials. It built capacities in value addition to produce sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials. It supported research and pilot projects focused on low-carbon construction materials and circular economy initiatives in building materials.