Discovery Alert’s Post

Small-scale artisanal gold mining (ASGM) accounts for 20% of global gold supply yet remains largely invisible to mainstream markets. This massive sector directly employs 20 million people worldwide. It indirectly supports 80-100 million others through supply chains and local commerce. 85% of operations remain completely informal, and mercury contamination affects entire ecosystems for decades. Miners typically receive only 60-80% of spot gold prices, even though annual production reaches 400-500 tonnes globally. Regional breakdown shows Africa's dominance: Sub-Saharan Africa has 50% of global output, Asia-Pacific has 25%, Latin America has 20%, and other regions have 5% of output. The sector faces a critical transformation period as climate change disrupts traditional agriculture, potentially driving more communities toward mining. However, promising solutions are emerging. Ecuador's Central Bank programme demonstrates successful formalisation through direct gold purchasing, and mercury-free processing technologies offer viable alternatives. Digital payment systems connect miners to formal markets. The Minamata Convention requires countries to develop mercury reduction strategies. Supply chain transparency initiatives create premium market opportunities for responsible gold sourcing. Market trends favour transformation as ESG investment requirements increasingly demand sustainable sourcing. Consumer awareness drives demand for responsibly sourced gold, and certified operations can earn 1-3% premiums above spot prices. The challenge remains massive. Success requires coordinated action across technology transfer, policy reform, and financial inclusion. Enjoy this summary? Hit the 'like' button to let us know. Stay up to date with mining industry developments by following this page. Discover the complete analysis of global artisanal mining trends and market implications: https://lnkd.in/giB9mRWW #GoldMining #ArtisanalMining #SustainableGold #MiningInnovation