Botchwey, G., Nest, M., & D'Emidio, R. (2022). Working with legal small-scale miners: Implications for development. Journal of International Development, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/ jid.3726

Development initiatives focused on illegal artisanal and
small-scale mining (ASM) typically assume that formalisation
will address environmental degradation and poverty.
But there is little research on legal small-scale miners'
(SSMs) perceptions of their environmental impacts, or on
demographic characteristics that should inform development
programmes. Based on a survey of 137 legal SSMs,
this study analysed the perceptions and practices of legal
SSMs within the context of an accountability, rule of law
and anti-corruption programme, with an environmental
governance subtheme, in Ghana. Data suggest that formalisation
may not be a panacea for improving environmental
governance, findings with policy and practical implications
for development programmes.Development initiatives focused on illegal artisanal and
small-scale mining (ASM) typically assume that formalisation
will address environmental degradation and poverty.
But there is little research on legal small-scale miners'
(SSMs) perceptions of their environmental impacts, or on
demographic characteristics that should inform development
programmes. Based on a survey of 137 legal SSMs,
this study analysed the perceptions and practices of legal
SSMs within the context of an accountability, rule of law
and anti-corruption programme, with an environmental
governance subtheme, in Ghana. Data suggest that formalisation
may not be a panacea for improving environmental
governance, findings with policy and practical implications
for development programmes.