Conference Themes

Social and Livelihood Issues
This theme includes all aspects of positive and negative social and economic impacts including but not limited to gender, child labour, health and livelihood issues.

Relationship between Community Miners, Government and Industry
The aim of this theme is to discuss the relationship between community miners, government and large-scale mining operations. This includes all aspects of governance of community mining, including potential large-scale economic impacts of mining. Case studies exploring partnerships between community miners and large mining businesses are encouraged.

Environmental Impacts and Mining Reclamation
This theme will cover the type, scale and distribution of artisanal and small-scale mines, environmental impacts, bioremediation and mine reclamation methods that are appropriate for small-scale mining.

Small-Scale Mining Technology
The purpose of this theme is to discuss all aspects of small-scale mining technology including innovative approaches. Special focus will be given to environmentally friendly technologies including mercury- and cyanide-free methods of extracting gold.