Africa: Artisanal Mining Key to Africa’s Development

HARNESSING the potential of Artisanal Small Scale Miners (ASM) is key in developing Africa’s mineral sector and improving the livelihoods of its people.

Africa has a rich endowment of various minerals and accounts for 30 per cent of the world’s mineral reserves.

The continent has reserves of metals such as copper, cobalt, iron, lithium and gold as well as of gemstones like emeralds, amethyst and tourmaline.

The mining and mineral sector is currently dominated by ASM mostly in gemstones and…