"Governments have largely left small-scale mining on the margins. The first step to cooperation is building knowledge and a shared understanding of the sector," Best says.
She also says IIED's recent research on ASM has pointed to three major gaps in how knowledge shapes policy. "First, the knowledge that does exist is poorly shared. Second, the experience of small-scale miners and local communities is largely overlooked.
"Third, there is no multi-stakeholder space where committed individuals and organisations from different parts of the sector can come together to build trust, learn, innovate and find shared solutions," she says.
Cultural anthropologist Heemskerk says that the legalisation and formalisation of small-scale gold miners would be a good first step to address many health, social, and environmental problems faced in the sector.
"You cannot regulate people who are considered illegal. We also must not forget that small-scale gold mining offers a job to millions of poor people, who may not have many alternative income-generating options.
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