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Certifying improvement, improving certification: An analysis based on the artisanal and small-scale mining sector

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  • Bodenheimer, Miriam

Abstract

There are a plethora of voluntary initiatives indirectly connected to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), but until recently, none of these standards were explicitly concerned with ASM. It is only with the introduction of certification schemes specific to the ASM sector that guidelines are being designed and implemented that expressly address its unique dynamics. But implementing certification schemes remains costly and it is therefore important to analyze in detail to what degree problems within the ASM sector can be addressed through these mechanisms before making more of those investments. Consequently, this paper aims to perform such an evaluation through a two-pronged approach consisting of a theory-based analysis of the working mechanisms of certification and a review of qualitative data from interviews with key players in the field of ASM certification. The results show that there are still a number of problems in how small-scale mines are being certified, but that, at the same time, the approach has the potential to make significant contributions to development and poverty-reduction in the sector. The paper concludes with recommendations based on these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Bodenheimer, Miriam, 2014. "Certifying improvement, improving certification: An analysis based on the artisanal and small-scale mining sector," Working Papers "Sustainability and Innovation" S9/2014, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:fisisi:s92014
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    Cited by:

    1. Hilson, Gavin & Hilson, Abigail & Maconachie, Roy, 2018. "Opportunity or necessity? Conceptualizing entrepreneurship at African small-scale mines," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 286-302.
    2. Sabine Langkau & Martin Erdmann, 2021. "Environmental impacts of the future supply of rare earths for magnet applications," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(4), pages 1034-1050, August.
    3. A. Cristina Ribeiro-Duthie & Líllian M.B. Domingos & Marina F. Oliveira & Patrícia C. Araujo & Renata C.J. Alamino & Ricardo S.V. Silva & James M. Ribeiro-Duthie & Zuleica C. Castilhos, 2017. "Sustainable development opportunities within corporate social responsibility practices from LSM to ASM in the gold mining industry," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 30(2), pages 141-152, July.

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