​​Cease, prevent and mitigate impacts in Artisanal and Small-scale Mining​

Mining has the potential to boost economic prosperity for miners and their communities, but human rights risks are looming: Around the world there are up to 45 million people directly employed in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). It is an important part of the rural economies in which it operates, providing livelihoods to around 315 million people. ASM makes up an important part of global (critical) mineral supply chains. Approximately, 25% of global tantalum and tin supplies, 20% of gold as well as 12% of cobalt derives from ASM operations. About half of the ASM workforce works in gold mining. Many miners, both industrial and small-scale, risk staying trapped in the poverty cycle. A lack of health and safety equipment and operating under the threat of mineshafts collapsing are a part of many miners’ daily experiences.  

With on the one hand massive sustainable development opportunities and on the other hand equally massive human rights (and environmental) risks, it is no wonder that due diligence in ASM is a hot topic. This DiliCHANCE deep dive gives insight into human rights due diligence in ASM. Chapter 1 (Human Rights in ASM) and 2 (Human rights due diligence in ASM) describe the state of play in ASM. Chapter 3 explains the application of a gender lens in due diligence. Chapter 4 provides guidance on OECD Step 3: cease, prevent and mitigate impacts. All too often companies do not take into account the negative human rights impact of immediately ending business relationships. 

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) presents a duality: immense economic potential for the 45 million people involved, but it is also exposed to significant human rights and environmental risks. Responsible sourcing and engagement through robust due diligence is essential. Key lessons for companies are: 

• Sourcing responsibly from ASM secures supply chains, meets ethical consumer demand, and drives sustainable development—crucial for energy transition minerals. ASM is a business opportunity, not just a risk. 
• Navigating this requires systematic Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD), which is increasingly regulated by for example the EU's CSDDD.  
• Tools like the CRAFT Code, LBMA ASM Toolkit, and DELVE assist artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) and buyers in complying with international standards, are valuable mediators for effectively engaging in sourcing in ASM. 
• Crucially, HRDD must be gender-responsive, addressing the structural inequality and "invisibility" of female miners.  
• The principle of responsible disengagement is paramount. Severing ties is rarely ethical and must be a last resort, as international standards dictate. Risk aversion can worsen human rights risks. 

Solidaridad's work in Peru and Ghana demonstrates that participatory, co-created interventions—like safety guides for Peruvian pallaqueras and revolving funds in Ghana—are key to promoting equity, safety, and women's agency. Due diligence drives systemic change. 

In summary, due diligence in ASM is an ongoing, proactive commitment demanding a gender lens, the use of available tools, and sustained engagement. This approach allows companies to secure supply chains while meaningfully contributing to the livelihoods and rights of millions of miners.