International initiatives on small‐scale mining: Lessons from the colombian coal experience

Abstract

The problems of small‐scale and artisanal mining are well known and documented. These activities not only cause substantial environmental damage, but also represent formidable social problems. A great effort is being done by donor organisations to address the issue. An approach proposed by the World Bank after a roundtable in Washington in 1995, calls for an effort to ‘regularise’ artisanal mining and convert this activity into a sustainable one. This article examines the conditions necessary to put a ‘regularisation’ strategy in practice. It reviews previous work on the subject and identifies the critical factors for success. Given the special characteristics of small‐scale mining, the proposed solutions are complex and require a great deal of co‐ordination between a large number of organisations. The article concludes that the leadership of the process must be vested in a powerful, technical and independent agency at the local level. There are success stories in small‐scale mining. The case of Colombian coal mines is examined and the key elements of the country's effective strategy are identified. The role of the State coal agency was found to be central to the success of the strategy to regularise small‐scale and artisanal mines.