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Making the case for artisanal and small-scale mining
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Artisanal and small-scale miners load bags of copper and cobalt ore near Kolwezi, DRC. Each bag can weigh up to 75 kilograms. Image credit: Espérant Mwishamali
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Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) comes with significant challenges, especially since this kind of mining typically lacks regulation and can be socially and environmentally harmful. But ASM also plays a critical role in supplying the world with minerals vital for decarbonization, which is one reason why a study led by University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Assistant Research Scientist Brandon Marc Finn argues that ASM should be embraced.
“There is no decarbonization without mining these and other minerals. To move away from coal, oil and gas, the global energy system must mine critical minerals,” said Finn. “At the same time, we argue that ASM should be recognized as an essential social and environmental justice issue of our time.”
Study co-authors are SEAS Professor Joshua Newell, and Adam Simon, professor of earth and environmental sciences at the College of Literature, Science and the Arts.