March 2011
ARM announces the publication of “Legalization Guide for Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM)”, the newest addition (No.5) to ARM´s Responsible ASM Series
The document, written by Laura Barreto, Chair of ARM´s Board and a renowned ASM Public Policy specialist, provides guidelines that will stimulate the development and the improvement of public policy and legal frameworks for ASM for all actors who are directly or indirectly involved with the sector.
Legalization, as a process to obtain the necessary regulatory authorizations to conduct a mining operation, is a precondition for the legitimacy and stability of ASM. Without it no real progress can be achieved because the right of an ASM mining operation to exist can always be questioned. With this uncertainty and insecurity, the consequence is a sector that operates with a short-term technical and economic vision and rationale.
An invitation to contribute to this guide
This guide is considered a work in progress that should be improved with participation of key ASM actors. The review process will guarantee that the final product includes the experience of ASM actors, in particular the miners and their associations from different countries, who can bring valuable lessons related to the implementation of the existing legal frameworks.
All comments and feedback on the “Legalization Guide” are welcome to be sent to the author Laura Barreto (ac.oc1778713239itapm1778713239ys@ot1778713239errab1778713239arual1778713239 ) with a copy to Maria Eugenia Calderon ( gro.g1778713239ninim1778713239ytinu1778713239mmoc@1778713239redla1778713239cam1778713239 )