Artisanal mining faces formalization challenges in Peru and Colombia

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is playing a structural role in rural territories across South America, though it faces significant hurdles regarding formalization and economic stability.

In Cusco, Peru, research by Grupo Propuesta Ciudadana indicates that overlapping mining concessions and weak state capacity prevent local peasant communities from accessing legal exploitation contracts. This lack of formalization hinders environmental regulation and affects communal institutional structures. To address these issues, the Centro Bartolomé de las Casas and Grupo Propuesta Ciudadana organized a forum to discuss public policy recommendations for the commercialization of critical metals like gold.

In El Charco, Nariño, Colombia, ASM has emerged as a vital economic alternative for families traditionally reliant on subsistence agriculture. Local testimonies suggest that mining provides essential income for education, food, and basic household needs, offering a path to improved living standards for younger generations. Community members are calling for better organization and institutional support to transition toward formalized mining practices.