Voices of artisanal and small-scale mining, visions of the future: Report from the International Conference on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining and Quarrying

Artisanal and small-scale mining and quarrying (ASM) contributes significantly to livelihoods, with a huge and undeniable impact on poverty reduction and economic development at all scales. The sector is also known for persistent challenges related to the environment, OHS, labour, migration and conflict. In view of the progress, challenges, and still yet to be realised opportunities, delegates from 72 nations assembled in Livingstone, Zambia, 11-13 September 2018, for the International Conference on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining and Quarrying. This report summarises the proceedings, placing them in historical context. The report includes the full text of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Declaration on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining, Quarrying and Development. A theme that permeated the sessions was the necessity for miners to be at the heart of any efforts to transform ASM. All stakeholders should recognise the initiative and leadership demonstrated by miners and their representatives; listen to their issues, concerns and suggestions; seek to understand on the ground realities; eliminate language, discourse and behaviour that worsens the stigma associated with ASM; and empower miners to chart their own vision of development. Only with the involvement of miners in governance will the sustainable development challenges associated with ASM be effectively resolved.