Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Approximately 15 million people in more than 70 countries earn their livelihoods through artisanal and small-scale (ASM) gold mining. While the sector is an essential source of wealth in the informal economy, most ASM activities are unregulated and may be undertaken without adequate regard for the health and safety of the miners or for the environment
http://www.lundingold.com/s/csr.asp?ReportID=687774&_Type=Corporate-Social-Responsibility&_Title=Artisanal-and-Small-Scale-Mining