Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining (ASM)
In the areas around Loulo-Gounkoto (Mali), Tongon (Côte d’Ivoire), Kibali (DRC), Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi and North Mara (Tanzania) as well as Porgera (Papua New Guinea) and Pierina (Peru), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is present and exists in both legal and illegal forms.
ASM is a complex challenge faced particularly by the gold mining industry. For some community members, ASM is a traditional livelihood and helps supplement income from farming. In other instances, it is a full-time job and dominated by migrant miners, organized crime and associated with negative health, safety, human rights and environmental impacts.
Our approach to ASM occurring within our permits is aligned with ICMM guidance and follows a principle based on no conflicts, no invasion. Barrick does not source any ore or gold from, nor does it provide any ore or milling to, any ASM sources. All ore mined and processed is mined by Barrick within its permits and licensed areas.
For some community members, ASM is a traditional livelihood and helps supplement income from farming.