A country-wide analysis of mineral exploration in small-scale mining
by Ricardo Tichauer; Erbertt Barros Bezerra; Giorgio De Tomi
International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering (IJMME), Vol. 13, No. 2, 2022

Abstract: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important source of work and income for communities all over the world. Despite its importance, artisanal and small-scale mines are often informal and poorly equipped, ignoring mining best practices and operating under significant risks associated with high geological uncertainty. This paper offers a diagnosis of the mineral exploration programs in small-scale mining. A matrix-based evaluation method available in recent research initiatives described in the literature was applied to 246 mines in all five regions of Brazil. The application of the matrix resulted in a national average index of 3.4 in a range that can vary from 2.0 to 10.0. The low index confirms the initial assumption that small-scale mining operates with little geological knowledge. This study underlines the importance of public policies and initiatives to disseminate best exploration practices in small-scale mining, promoting sustainability of small-scale mineral projects and socioeconomic development of communities around them.

Online publication date: Mon, 13-Mar-2023

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