Work

Friends or foes: Can large-scale mining companies partner with small-scale miners? Yes, they can?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper (re)examines the nexus between large-scale mining (LSM) activities and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations. Broadly speaking, the existing combative resource politics between the two mining entities has created room for the emergence of divergent opinions on sustainable solutions encapsulated in standpoints of ‘cohabitation’ vis-à-vis ‘autonomy’. Employing ‘partnership’ as an analytical lens, this study provides a refreshing perspective of the ‘cohabitation’ of LSM and ASM where they develop and flourish together. Firmly rooted at the base of this success, however, is the formalisation canon that has long ignored the partnership opportunities for ASM operations in many resource-rich countries. We, therefore, argue for formalisation policies to design cohabitation agreements that focus on creating synergies devoid of resource conflicts. Further, we discuss ways through which resources that cannot be fully enclosed by LSM companies can become sources of compromise and negotiation rather than of conflict and violence.

Source: Journal of Rural Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103709

Authors: George Ofosu, Francis Arthur-Holmes, Daniel Siaw, David Sarpong

Institutions: Brunel University of London, Harvard University, University of Portsmouth, Birmingham City University, Aston University

Language: English

Topic: Mining and Resource Management

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,090