While there has been noticeable progress in improving conditions in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector in South Africa in recent years, Wits Mining Institute (WMI) director Dr Pontsho Twala said the sector is still beset with challenges.

Formalisation of the ASM sector, in particular, remains a challenge, she pointed out during the March 26 launch of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Research Forum, a new monthly seminar series and a partnership between the WMI and the Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP).

The research forum seeks to convene interdisciplinary knowledge and critical scholarship on one of Africa’s most significant, yet persistently misunderstood, livelihood sectors.

It will host monthly presentations by individual researchers, panels bringing together different disciplinary perspectives, and practitioner engagements with communities, government and industry.

Twala delivered a presentation titled ‘Developmental trajectory of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in South Africa: Considerations for the future,’ in which she examined the evolution and current state of ASM in South Africa, highlighting the key policy, regulatory and socioeconomic dynamics that have shaped the sector.

She pointed out that over 44-million people globally work in the ASM sector, adding that the ASM footprint in Africa, where mineral resources are abundant and economic opportunities limited, is wide.

She pointed out that ASM activity is concentrated in regions rich in minerals such as gold, cobalt and diamonds, with key hotspots including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

With this in mind, Twala noted the positive impacts of ASM, explaining that the sector contributes to the global Sustainable Development Goals, national development and to national mineral production and export earnings.

Additionally, she also highlighted the role of ASM in contributing to mineral diversification and local beneficiation, as well as its role in rural development and sustaining informal local economies.

However, Twala also discussed some negative impacts of ASM, highlighting, for example, negative environmental impacts, social challenges, health and safety risks and economic and governance issues.

She emphasised the need for a clear definition of ASM, improved legislation and support structures to address existing challenges, as well as increasing education and awareness to shift perceptions of ASM.

“We have a voice, and we should continue working together to support the sector,” she said.