Artisanal Formalization

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) represents a substantial share of global production for several minerals, including gold, where ASM accounts for about one fifth of the gold mined each year.¹ It supports livelihoods in places where formal employment is scarce. It is also where many of the worst environmental and social outcomes in mining concentrate: mercury contamination, child labor, unsafe working conditions, ecosystem damage, and mineral revenues that fail to reach producing communities.

Alnitak Resources' artisanal formalization capability is built on the recognition that ASM cannot be eliminated through prohibition, and should not be. It can be transformed through formalization, technical support and access to responsible processing that meets institutional environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. That transformation is what this capability is built to deliver.

This capability is delivered through ORION^™, Alnitak Resources' platform and strategy for formalizing artisanal and small-scale miners. ORION is built around four aims: creating jobs, increasing formal production, improving safety, and industry training and education. It is not a single project or site; it is a model applied under common standards.

The relationship with artisanal mining cooperatives is structured through Technical Support Agreements (TSAs), aligned with host-country formalization frameworks. TSAs are designed to provide training, equipment, financial support and access to mercury-free processing designed to international standards, in exchange for formal supply commitments.

ORION platforms are designed to be staffed substantially by host-nation professionals trained in mercury-free processing, environmental management, occupational safety and community engagement. Each is designed to report through Mintaka ERP^™, so that ESG and chain-of-custody data are captured from the point of supply through to refined product.

Read about ORION +