One of the main areas of OECD's work in the responsible sourcing of minerals is to ensure that international standards do not further marginalise workers of the informal sector. This implies working on the formalisation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM).
ASM is a major source of mineral resources production in the world. It is largely informal, and is associated with low levels of safety measures, health care or environmental protections. In this context, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance includes an Appendix calling on stakeholders to engage in legalisation and formalisation of artisanal mining communities.
The objective is two-fold:
In addition, the OECD seeks to develop cooperation with initiatives such as the Global Mercury Partnership to work on the reduction of mercury use for gold production.
To push this agenda forward, the OECD developed the following tools:
1. ASM Hub
The ASM Hub convenes host and donor governments from OECD and non-OECD countries, the private sector, civil society and other experts, to learn about ASM issues and explore ways to:
2. ASM FAQ
The ASM FAQ booklet provides practical guidance and answers frequently asked questions relating to sourcing gold from artisanal and small-scale mining globally.
Implementing agencies / non-governmental organisations
Multilateral and bilateral programmesMinamata Convention on Mercury
Global Mercury Partnership
Sustainable Artisanal Mining Project
ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme
Capacity Building for Responsible Trade