ICMM has launched Working together a guidance note (of over 100 pages) for companies engaging with the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. This is a very important subject, particularly in Africa, Asia and South America. The document is the product of a fruitful partnership with Communities and Small-Scale Mining (CASM), the International Finance Corp’s Oil, Gas, and Mining Sustainable Community Development Fund (IFC CommDev) and ICMM. The interaction between large-scale mining companies and ASM operations has not always been positive, and encounters between the two sectors are increasing. There are a number of ASM sustainable development challenges – including security, human rights and relocation programs – that can require specific ASM consideration. (more…)