A Large-scale perspective on small-scale mining

This paper focuses on the complexities of large-scale and artisanal and small-scale mining (“LSM” and “ASM”) operating within a shared physical environment. The paper is exploratory in that the topic of interest – the LSM-ASM interface – is yet to be described or conceptualised to any significant degree in either academic or policy literatures. We use the term “interface” as the basis for characterising the many points at which LSM and ASM physically intersect at the asset level and the ways in which these interactions shape options and outcomes for both groups. Our intent is to generate discussion and constructive debate, and to identify current and future research priorities.