In this week’s webinar, Alan Martin, Head of Responsible Sourcing at LBMA, and Australian documentary photographer, Hugh Brown, took an in-depth look at the world of artisanal small-scale mining (ASM), drawing from Hugh's powerful photographs on the ground.
Hugh explained how his photography affords him a neutral perspective on the complex issue of ASM, and an appreciation of how nuanced the sector is between communities, counties, countries and continents. “Ownership structures and participants vary – and there’s no rule book. Artisanal mines are incredible hubs of activity often providing a thriving microeconomy.”
So how, Alan asked, has the increasing legislation around sustainable sourcing impacted communities operating within such a complex sector?
“Since Dodd-Frank 11 years ago there’s been lots of legislative change, including billions of dollars poured into the sector supporting certification and traceability, but I question how these changes are impacting the lives of those artisanal miners. I’m all for improving conditions, but we also should not be disenfranchising these workers or their communities.”
This webinar is CPD Accredited. For more information, please contact events@lbma.org.uk.
