2023 State of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector

The 2023 state of the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector focuses on the intersection of ASM and sustainable development goal 5 (SDG 5) - achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It applies the SDG 5 framework for the first time to systematically report on gender inequalities in ASM. The 2023 Report builds on the 2019 and 2020 reports to close the global data gap facing the ASM. The obstacles confronting women in ASM span legal, social, and economic domains. These difficulties are exacerbated by the persisting gender-blindness within mining laws, resulting in discrimination against women miners and hindering their access to resources, education, and economic advancement, placing their safety and well-being at risk. Without action and reforms, women will remain unable to realize the full economic and social benefits afforded by a well-developed ASM sector. The 2023 State of the ASM sector report provides three key recommendations to improve SDG 5 outcomes in ASM: 1. Make mining legal frameworks gender inclusive; 2. Advance women’s social protections at the mine and home; and 3. Account for gendered differences in occupational health and safety efforts at mine sites.