Consultant on artisanal and small-scale mining in Africa

Job Description

Background and Context Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) is a critical component of Africa’s mineral economy and a major source of livelihoods across the continent. The sector encompasses a wide spectrum of mining activities ranging from informal subsistence mining carried out with minimal technology to small-scale commercial mining enterprises that supply minerals to national and international markets. Globally, ASM provides direct employment to approximately 45 million people across more than 80 countries, making it the largest employer in the mining sector worldwide. In addition, more than 150 million people depend indirectly on ASM for their livelihoods, underscoring its importance for rural employment and poverty reduction. Africa hosts one of the largest concentrations of ASM activity globally. Estimates suggest that approximately 9 million artisanal miners operate in Africa, supporting the livelihoods of more than 54 million dependants, making ASM the second-largest employer after agriculture in many mineral-rich African countries. The sector also contributes significantly to mineral supply and value chains and global markets. Artisanal miners produce a substantial share of several minerals, including gold, cobalt, tin, tantalum, gemstones, and other strategic minerals used in electronics and clean energy technologies. For example, artisanal mining contributes around 20% of global gold production and about 25% of global tantalum supply.