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Rethinking state-led formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM): Towards mining licence categorisation, women empowerment and environmental sustainability

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  • Arthur-Holmes, Francis
  • Ofosu, George

Abstract

Securing a mining licence or permit is seen as the gateway for conducting artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations. Yet, the policy and the academic discourse on the environmental impacts of ASM and formalisation policies inadequately capture the diverse perspectives of institutional and local stakeholders regarding the regulatory and legal framework for the heterogeneous nature of ASM operations. This paper, therefore, addresses this gap by providing critical, empirical evidence and interpretations of institutional and local stakeholders’ perspectives of Ghana’s state-led ASM formalisation framework and its impacts on mining licence acquisition. Drawing on findings from multiple qualitative studies in Ghana, we found that the one ‘small-scale’ mining licence regime was problematic and took no account of the diverse environmental impacts, the safety concerns, and the uneven economic returns from the various mining methods (alluvial, underground, and surface/open-pit mining) employed for ASM operations. The findings also showed that the one-size-fits-all mining licence hinders a) the development of appropriate environmental regulations and mine waste management practices for the various local ASM operations, b) the designing of context-specific land reclamation approaches, c) the provision of logistics, training, and technical assistance to address the divergent environmental impacts, and d) the economic empowerment of women who seek to have economic visibility in the sector. The findings further demonstrated that the current ASM formalisation framework needs to be reformed through categorisation of the mining licence to reflect the dimensions of ASM operations, such as the multi-tier licence classification we propose – underground‘ghetto’licence, alluvial licence, surface/open-pit licence, medium-scale licence, and co-existence/partnership licence. This classification could help the country’s minerals regulatory body, the Minerals Commission, provide specific guidelines for mining operations, environmental management practices, and occupational health and safety protocols/practices for miners in the sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Arthur-Holmes, Francis & Ofosu, George, 2024. "Rethinking state-led formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM): Towards mining licence categorisation, women empowerment and environmental sustainability," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:93:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724004252
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105058
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    3. Paschal, Makungu & Kauangal, Jignesh, 2025. "Determinants of formalised mineral market outlet choice decision of artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Geita, Tanzania," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    4. Abdulai, Abdul-Gafaru & Buur, Lars & Stacey, Paul, 2025. "Party political campaigning and the illegal extraction of gold in Ghana," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    5. Ofosu, George & Arthur-Holmes, Francis, 2025. "Becoming a friend of the foe: The evolving perspectives on the ‘cohabitation’ strategies of large-scale and artisanal and small-scale mining operations," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    6. Kidido, Joseph Kwaku & Ajabuin, Benjamin Avurinyinbiik & Kumi, Samuel, 2025. "Negotiating compensation in Ghana's mining sector: Community valuer's selection dynamics and governance implications," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    7. Francis Boateng, 2026. "Evaluating Stakeholder Participation and Company Responsiveness in Addressing Community Concerns Over the Sustainability of Mining Operations in Ghana: The Case of Ashanti Region," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(3), pages 4597-4624, March.
    8. Boafo, James & Arthur-Holmes, Francis, 2025. "Sustainability transition paradox: Emerging dimensions of illegal artisanal and small-scale mining of critical minerals in Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    9. Donkor, Peter & Siabi, Ebenezer Kwadwo & Mensah, Samuel Kofi & Frimpong, Kwasi & Vuu, Christopher & Nyantakyi, Emmanuel Kwesi & Siabi, Elikplim Sarah & Ameyaw, Albright Boachie-, 2025. "Informal artisanal and small-scale mining in sub-saharan Africa: Policy evolution, sector formalization, and future trajectories," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).

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