Golden practices that defy gloom

Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale (ASM) sector has the potential to make a major contribution to the country’s future. Artisanal miners produce over one third of Ghana’s gold, and the sector employs an estimated one million people and supports up to 4.5 million more.

Unfortunately, ASM in Ghana has a poor track record: the majority of miners operate informally and unsafely, and have little access to training or technology. Informal mining has polluted waterways, damaged landscapes and exploited workers.

Amid this bleak backdrop, there is also a desire to do ASM differently — and better.

This booklet presents examples of small-scale mines that are operating responsibly, and shows that some ASM miners and mining companies want to become part of a more responsible and sustainable industry.