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<p>The challenges and opportunities artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) will pose for an evolving EU critical raw materials (CRM) supply-web are examined through analysis of current business models and integration strategies. ASM operations are often associated with poor operational health &amp; safety, negative environmental impacts, and poor governance, creating tension with EU policy goals of ensuring a fair, responsible, and sustainable supply of CRM. This analysis, drawing on experience from the Horizon Europe project AfricaMaVal and an extensive literature review, examines ASM motivations, constraints, and business models. The methodology combines systematic literature analysis with practical insights from field experience to develop a typology of integration strategies. Key findings reveal that traditional formalisation approaches often fail because they misunderstand local context and power structures. Based on these findings, we propose a graduated approach to ASM integration that builds on existing structures while progressively improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance. The paper presents five business model categories for sustainable integration of ASM-produced CRM into EU supply-webs, emphasising the need for economic incentives that align with local realities rather than imposing external standards.</p>

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Revisiting artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) – challenge or opportunity for the supply of critical raw materials?

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月12日

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  • W. Eberhard Falck,
  • Vitor Correia,
  • Zenzi Awases,
  • Jean-Claude Guillaneau

摘要

The challenges and opportunities artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) will pose for an evolving EU critical raw materials (CRM) supply-web are examined through analysis of current business models and integration strategies. ASM operations are often associated with poor operational health & safety, negative environmental impacts, and poor governance, creating tension with EU policy goals of ensuring a fair, responsible, and sustainable supply of CRM. This analysis, drawing on experience from the Horizon Europe project AfricaMaVal and an extensive literature review, examines ASM motivations, constraints, and business models. The methodology combines systematic literature analysis with practical insights from field experience to develop a typology of integration strategies. Key findings reveal that traditional formalisation approaches often fail because they misunderstand local context and power structures. Based on these findings, we propose a graduated approach to ASM integration that builds on existing structures while progressively improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance. The paper presents five business model categories for sustainable integration of ASM-produced CRM into EU supply-webs, emphasising the need for economic incentives that align with local realities rather than imposing external standards.