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

About IC-ASM

We are a global platform for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) associations to organize and represent themselves. By bringing together the voices of miners, quarry workers, and their communities, we ensure that ASM is recognized as a critical contributor to sustainable development.

Our members consist of national and sub-national ASM associations, commodity-based associations (such as those focused on gold, gemstones, or building materials), and organisations representing women and youth in the sector. Together, we work to strengthen the capacity of artisanal miners, improve working conditions, promote sustainable practices, and advocate for policies that support the formalization and integration of ASM into global supply chains.

Our Areas of Work

Leadership training workshop
Leadership & Empowerment

Women in Mining Leadership Development Program

Intensive leadership training for women ASM leaders from West Africa, focusing on organizational management and advocacy skills.

Read More
ASM networking conference
Collaboration & Networking

Annual ASM Associations Regional Conference

Bringing together ASM associations from Southern Africa to share best practices and coordinate advocacy efforts.

Read More
Technology training session
Capacity Building

Digital Tools for ASM Business Management

Training miners on using digital platforms for record-keeping, market analysis, and financial management.

Read More

News and Events

New Community-Led Initiative Empowers Women in Artisanal Mining

Community Development

New Community-Led Initiative Empowers Women in Artisanal Mining

Digital Platform Connects Artisanal Miners to Global Markets

Technology Innovation

Digital Platform Connects Artisanal Miners to Global Markets

New International Framework for ASM Formalization Adopted

Policy & Regulation

New International Framework for ASM Formalization Adopted

Voices from ASM

Africa

Regional ASM Association President

"IC-ASM has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of artisanal miners across our continent. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development."

South America

Gold Miner Cooperative Leader

"Through IC-ASM, we have access to resources and networks that help us improve our mining practices while protecting our environment and communities."

Asia

Women in Mining Representative

"IC-ASM empowers women miners like us to have a seat at the table. Our contributions to the sector are finally being recognized and valued."

Europe

Development Organization Director

"Working with IC-ASM has transformed our approach to ASM development. They bring authentic miner perspectives that make our programs truly impactful."

Global

Young Miners Network Coordinator

"IC-ASM is creating pathways for the next generation of artisanal miners to thrive with dignity and opportunity."

Global

UN Agency Representative

"IC-ASM is a critical partner in achieving our sustainable development goals. Their grassroots connections ensure miners are central to policy discussions."

Africa

Regional ASM Association President

"IC-ASM has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of artisanal miners across our continent. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development."

South America

Gold Miner Cooperative Leader

"Through IC-ASM, we have access to resources and networks that help us improve our mining practices while protecting our environment and communities."

Asia

Women in Mining Representative

"IC-ASM empowers women miners like us to have a seat at the table. Our contributions to the sector are finally being recognized and valued."

Europe

Development Organization Director

"Working with IC-ASM has transformed our approach to ASM development. They bring authentic miner perspectives that make our programs truly impactful."

Global

Young Miners Network Coordinator

"IC-ASM is creating pathways for the next generation of artisanal miners to thrive with dignity and opportunity."

Global

UN Agency Representative

"IC-ASM is a critical partner in achieving our sustainable development goals. Their grassroots connections ensure miners are central to policy discussions."

Resources

Publications

Final report of the UN Panel of Experts on mineral chain due diligence and other key publications on ASM sector development.

Research Papers

Academic and field research on artisanal mining practices, formalization processes, and community impacts.

Policy Documents

International frameworks, national policies, and regulatory guidelines for ASM sector governance and development.

Training Materials

Educational resources, capacity building modules, and technical training guides for artisanal miners and associations.

Case Studies

Real-world examples of successful ASM formalization, community development initiatives, and best practices.

Toolkits & Guides

Practical tools and step-by-step guides for implementing sustainable mining practices and organizational development.