3530 Assessing the current status quo of artisanal and small-scale mining in South Africa: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) is very important for the mineral sector in South Africa, but it brings with it both opportunities and challenges. This paper presented an overview of the South African ASM sector, the socio-economic significance of the ASM, the regulatory environment, and the environmental impacts, which are currently the status quo of ASM in South Africa. The paper identified ways ASM can support local development, create employment, and reduce poverty. The case of informatisation, ecological damage, and social insecurity have shown social conflicts, potential land degradation, and criminal behaviour. Finally, the paper discusses the future of the ASM in South Africa, which will mainly depend on improved legislation, improved personnel capacity, and more sustainable practices to ensure that the positive outcomes of the industry will outweigh the negative ones. These propositions include recommendations to all stakeholders, including the government, industry, and civil society, such as stricter environmental regulations, improved working conditions for miners, and the promotion of responsible mining practices.
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