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International Council for Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (IC-ASM)

A COUNCIL FOR MINERS BY MINERS.

In creating IC-ASM, we seek to fulfil the aspirations of the Mosi Oa Tunya Declaration on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining, Quarrying and Development 2018 that

"Artisanal and small-scale miners and quarry workers must be at the heart of any efforts to transform ASM." Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration, 2018.

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About Us

We are a global platform dedicated to support and advocate for artisanal and small-scale mining and quarrying (ASM) operators on the international stage. Our aim is to ensure our voices as miners are at the centre of decision-making processes that directly impact the ASM sector.

Our members consist of global ASM associations, each committed to championing the rights and interests of miners. Together, we work to address both existing and emerging challenges with the sector, while promoting the positive environmental, social, and economic contributions of ASM. Our goal is to enhance the resilience and economic diversification of mineral-rich regions, helping our communities thrive in a sustainable and equitable manner.

Our Story

The growing recognition of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) as a key driver for sustainable development was crystallised in the Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, Quarrying, and Development, a landmark outcome from the international ASM conference held in Livingstone, Zambia, in September 2018. The declaration called for urgent action to strengthen the representation of ASM workers, especially at the global level.

Inspired by the meaning of Mosi-oa-Tunya—the "Smoke That Thunders," named after the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls—we envisioned a similarly resounding voice for ASM miners on the global stage. Our goal: ensuring that we as miners are treated as decision-makers, not bystanders, in shaping the policies that affect our lives and livelihoods.

The idea for an international body to represent ASM workers gained momentum after the World Bank's "Business Unusual: What Future for ASM Post-COVID-19?" Conference, held in Nairobi in December 2022. There, ASM leaders began formulating plans for a united global front to advocate for miners’ rights and participation in key decision-making processes.

After months of dialogue, on September 2, 2024, 21 ASM leaders from regions spanning Africa (English, French, and Swahili-speaking), Latin America, and Southeast Asia & the Pacific convened for the first International Council for ASM (IC-ASM) workshop. A working group was tasked to consult with leaders of ASM associations globally and draft the council’s vision, mission, principles, membership, and governance structure—laying the foundation for a global organisation that represents the voices of miners.

In 2024, the world’s increasing appetite for minerals such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, graphite, and copper led to the creation of the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. For the first time, ASM representatives had the chance to provide critical input through the Delve Exchange platform. This marked a pivotal opportunity for ASM communities to participate in shaping global mineral policies—a role that can now be amplified through IC-ASM.

On September 12, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres released the final report of the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, which featured a powerful call to action. In Actionable Recommendation 4, the report highlights the need to empower artisanal and small-scale miners, emphasising that any meaningful transformation must be driven by miners themselves. It also underscores the critical role of the newly formed IC-ASM in ensuring that ASM voices are central to these transformative efforts.

IC-ASM aims at creating an environment where associations have the capacity to defend their interests.

Africa-French

Company or position

IC-ASM connects global ASM operators to each other, enabling a coordinated effort for sharing ideas, and setting benchmarks.

Hannah Wang’ombe

CEO, Association of Women in Energy and Extractives Kenya

IC-ASM promotes the integration of ASM in order to develop a socially and environmentally responsible mining activity within the framework of globalization.

Nimer Rivera Neyra

Director of International Relations – National Society of Small-scale Mining (SONAMIPE)

IC-ASM advocates for ASM as a livelihood business which alleviates poverty.

Blessing Hungwe

Knowledge Exchange Coordinator, Delve Exchange Africa-English

IC-ASM fosters a responsible mining industry that cares for the environment with gender equity.

Mery Machicado

National Coordinator – National Network of Women and Mining in Bolivia

IC-ASM helps raise awareness, train artisanal miners on the challenges of climate change and other global issues.

Marie-Rose Aida TAMBOURA

Knowledge Exchange Coordinator, Africa-French

IC-ASM is a home for ASM to promote responsible mining and protect the miners from injustice globally.

Dian Anggraeni

Knowledge Exchange Coordinator, Delve Exchange Southeast Asia and Pacific

Our Vision

To be the global foundation for the voices of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), championing responsible and equitable mining practices that promote social and economic well-being.
We aspire to unite ASM associations worldwide, fostering collaboration, learning, and innovation through a sustainable platform that strengthens livelihoods, enhances safety, and ensures environmental stewardship for future generations.

Our Mission

IC-ASM is dedicated to representing and empowering ASM worldwide. Our mission is to:

· Promote Representation and Collective Action: Uniting ASM associations worldwide to defend miners' rights, their recognition and inclusion in national and international policies, ensuring their voices shape the future of the sector.

· Advance Sustainable Practices: Supporting the transition to sustainable, safe, and responsible mining practices that prioritise environmental management, health, and safety.

· Empower Communities: Strengthening miners’ livelihoods by fostering formalised businesses, improving governance, and enhancing access to resources, training, and technology.

· Promote Gender Equality: Ensuring the inclusion of women, youth, miners with disabilities, and marginalised communities in all ASM activities, fostering transformational leadership and addressing specific challenges such as climate resilience and mechanisation.

· Foster Collaboration: Creating partnerships and facilitate dialogue among governments, civil society, donors, and sustainable development partners to create innovative and inclusive solutions across social, economic, environmental, legal and other aspects of ASM sector.

· Advocate for Responsible Sourcing: Promoting traceable and ethical mineral sourcing, addressing social and environmental challenges while contributing to global decarbonisation and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

· Lead Policy Development: Informing national policies and global regulations, advocating for the inclusion of mineral security in future SDGs and supporting fair trade initiatives.

· Transform Lives through Capacity Development: Equipping miners with the skills, knowledge, and leadership needed to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

· Secure the Future of ASM: Advocating for the legalisation and societal recognition of ASM, positioning it as a competitive, innovative, and globally valued sector that supports economic and social development.

Our Principles

· Inclusivity: Membership is open to all federations, cooperatives, and associations of miners, regardless of mining activity or commodity.

· Balanced Representation: Each country is represented by two members – one from the national ASM association and one from the women’s ASM association. In cases where there is no ASM women’s association, one representative will be elected from each of the male and female leaders.

· Permanent Membership for Associations: National and sub-national associations hold permanent membership, while their leaders serve with term limits.

· Avoiding Duplication: Membership levels (national, sub-national, commodity-based) will be simplified to avoid overlaps.

· Multilingual and Regional Accessibility: Multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish as well as other languages. Regional Chapters with local representatives to coordinate activities and engage members in their native languages.

Our People

· General Assembly: Representatives of member associations, organisations, and regional chapters

· Board of Directors: Representing LATAM, Africa-French and Africa-English, Africa-Swahili, Southeast Asia and Pacific, and South-Central Asia.

· Executive Committee: Secretary General and Vice Secretary General

· Secretariat: Secretary of Economy, Secretary of Council, Secretary of International Relations, Secretary of Science and Technology, Gender Secretary, Secretary of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment.

· Technical Committee: Professionals, miners, and experts with extensive experience in ASM.

· Regional Chapters: Local networks coordinated by regional representatives.

· Advisory Council: Experts from academia, industry, government, civil society, and international organisations.

Our Members

IC-ASM will include a diverse range of members to ensure comprehensive representation of the ASM community and its stakeholders:

· National ASM Associations: Core members, represented by national-level leaders.

· Sub-national Associations: Members representing regional ASM bodies, ensuring grassroots perspectives.

· Commodity-Based Associations: Organisations focusing on specific commodities (e.g., gold, gemstones, gypsum).

· Women and Youth Organisations: Associations dedicated for gender equality and youth empowerment in the ASM sector.

Our Partners

Global Centre for Mineral Security (GCMS), The University of Queensland HERE

· National Governments and Mining Ministries: To integrate policy alignment and support regulatory frameworks.

· Mining Industry Companies: Including large-scale and junior miners to collaborate in value chain integration.

· Multinational Organisations: Institutions such as the UN, World Bank, and ILO to provide global perspectives.

· Civil Society Organisations: Environmental, human rights, and community groups that ensure accountability and social responsibility.

· Research Institutions & Universities: Partners for capacity development, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

· Certification Entities: Organisations such as Fairmined and Fairtrade to support ethical sourcing.

· Development and Non-Government Organisations: Institutions such as USAID, DFID, and GIZ to assist in the implementation of sustainable projects.

Our Areas of Work

Activities... In Progress

Representation and Advocacy

Represent ASM in international forums, influencing global mining policies to support formalisation and sustainable practices.
Advocate for the rights, recognition, and inclusion of ASM at all levels of governance.
Implement a participatory feedback mechanism to gather input from miners on council activities and advocacy priorities.
Conduct annual surveys among miners to identify pressing issues and determine the annual approach.

Leadership and Empowerment

Conduct leadership development workshops and training programs for ASM association members.
Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced leaders with emerging leaders, with a particular focus on women and youth.
Organise workshops and training programs on sustainable mining, occupational safety, and environmental conservation.
Train miners and civil society groups on responsible mining practices and the socioeconomic benefits of ASM.

Collaboration and Networking

Create a platform (for example, monthly virtual meetings, WhatsApp group discussions, and potentially in-person meetings if budget allows) within IC-ASM dedicated to networking opportunities, experience sharing, and supporting grassroots leaders.
Create networks among miners, associations, NGOs, and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices.
Organise conferences, trade shows, and collaborative projects to strengthen the global ASM community.

Knowledge Development and Dissemination

Develop and share educational resources, guides, and reports to inform stakeholders about the opportunities and challenges of ASM.
Conduct research on the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of ASM.
Featured stories and short pieces reflecting current and emerging issues in ASM.
Publish regular newsletters on website and social media platforms.

Project Development

Collaborate with communities to implement mining projects that ensure economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Promote initiatives that (1) establish global regulatory standards for ASM, ensuring formalisation and protection of miners' rights; (2) foster economic diversification in mineral-rich regions; (3) promote safe mining practices, address occupational health risks, and adopt the highest environmental standards in ASM activities; (4) empower women and youth by promoting their active participation in ASM through specific programs; (5) facilitate access to affordable financing, tools, and technology to enhance productivity; (6) connect ASM with ethical markets, promote mineral traceability, and foster fair-trade initiatives; and (7) establish systems to assess the impact of activities, ensuring adaptability and alignment with changing sectoral needs.
Strengthen members’ capacities for policy implementation and comprehensive mining management in each member country.
Pilot projects to formalise mining and integrate it into public-private development programs.