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It occurs in some of the most remote areas in the world and involves some of the world’s poorest people. And it continues to be neglected compared to small-scale agriculture, forestry and fisheries. 

And yet, artisanal and small mining generates up to five times the income of people who are driven by poverty to find livelihood in agriculture and forestry. It employs 10 times more people than does the large-scale mining sector, and stimulates considerable local economic developments.

It is often viewed negatively by governments, large companies and environmentalists. Concerns range from the use of child labor and the potential for environmental damage (particularly through the use of mercury in gold mining) to the use of revenue to finance conflicts, the high incidence of prostitution, and the spread of HIV/AIDS where migrant workers are involved.

At the extreme, governments consider the sector illegal and attempt to ban it.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/special-features/environment/170-environment/32116-wb-initiative-defends-small-scale-mining