They help provide materials for global technology, but at the cost of their health and safety.
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) significantly contributes to the supply of minerals essential for modern technologies, including communications and clean energy technologies, which are crucial for the global clean energy transition. The sector employs 45 million people globally and provides 233 million indirect jobs. Managed properly, ASM can positively contribute to the economy, boosting development and reducing poverty.
