Reducing disease and death from Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) – Collegium Ramazzini Statement

Abstract

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) is one of the world’s most dangerous occupations. The World Bank estimates that 100 million children, women and men work in ASM worldwide, mostly in remote rural areas of Low-income and Lower-middle-income countries. There is an urgent need for responsible mining in the context of growing global demand for minerals and metals for climate change mitigation. ASM is increasing rapidly. Paradoxically, a key driver of this growth is climate change mitigation. Climate change mitigation drives ASM because ASM is a major source of minerals and metals. The World Bank projects that renewable en- ergy systems will require significantly more minerals and metals than current fossil-fuel-based energy supply systems and that global demand for minerals and metals will continue to increase for many decades. The Collegium Ramazzini notes the gross injustice of ASM. While most ASM takes place in the Global South, in the same countries already suffering the most serious consequences of climate change, most who benefit from ASM are in the Global North and thus have a shared responsibility to encourage their govern- ments to contribute to reducing ASM hazards. We cannot achieve climate change mitigation through the use of “blood minerals”. Reference to the full statement: https://www.collegiumramazzini. org/news