Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining
Globally, approximately 50 million people are engaged in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). More than a third of these individuals mine for gold, with an estimated 18.2 million ASM workers dedicated to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). When factoring in support activities and dependent families, the livelihoods of over 40 million people worldwide likely rely on ASGM.
In Suriname, approximately 15,000 men and 5,000 women work as miners and service providers in ASGM areas. Social Solutions is specialized in ASM research. Most recently, we produced a calculated estimate of the number of people mining gold illegally in French Guiana and the volume of gold they extract. We have also collected similar data for Suriname and, in previous years, carried out an extensive study on the gold marketing chain.
While ASGM provides an essential livelihood for many individuals with limited income-generating opportunities, it also has significant environmental and health consequences. Small-scale gold miners use mercury, leading to soil, fish, and human contamination (See also our report on the mercury marketing chain). ASGM has also been linked to the regional spread of malaria. However, contrary to common belief, our research has found no evidence of increased HIV prevalence in gold mining communities.