Policies for small-scale mining: The need for integration

Abstract

Small-scale mining is a significant part of the minerals sector. The main premise of this article is that 21st century policies for mining and mineral resource development in Asia-Pacific will need to take account of and include the small-scale mining sector. There are economic reasons for this and there are examples around the world to show that exclusion and neglect of the sector results in very negative ecological and social impacts. Successful implementation of an holistic approach in minerals policy and development will often be very difficult indeed - for a variety of reasons, some of which are discussed below - but not necessarily impossible.