It is estimated that more than 100 million people are dependent on artisanal and small-scale mining. This makes ASM a major economic sector and an important source of income. At the same time, ASM is associated with various social and environmental risks.

The European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM (Externer Link)) is a multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to the promotion of responsible mineral supply chains. The Sector Programme supports the BMZ in its role as member of the initiative.

The Forum Responsible Gold promotes the exchange of experience and information between industry, civil society, academia and development cooperation and raises public awareness on responsible gold supply chains.

Many consumer products contain raw materials which are extracted in developing countries and emerging economies and associated with significant environmental and human rights risks. Through its activities, the Sector Programme supports the improvement of the conditions along the entire supply chain.