What is craft mining?

craft mining is a type of small mining operation that is not associated with large corporate companies. This type of livelihood mining is somewhat common in the developing world and uses many hand tools and methods that the prospects have used throughout history. Some craft mining is carried out by individuals, although small mining operations on a small scale pay people for involvement in the same activities. In some cases, seasonal agricultural workers find jobs in craft mining if there are no crops to harvest, although there are also craft miners full -time. Many other economic factors can also get people to craft mining as an alternative way to support yourself. Most of these minor mining operations use simple hand tools. Putting gold is one of the examples of craft mining with simple tools and small or no training. About 12% of the annual worldwide gold production comes from small, craft operations, albeit through these methodsmany other materials are also obtained.

minerals such as lithium and coltan are mined by craft methods, as well as many types of gems. Most colored gems that are available in the world market are acquired by craftsmen because there are little extensive mining operations for these expensive and semi -precious minerals. Diamonds are also obtained by craftsmen, although unlike color gems, there are many large diamond mines. One of the effects of craft mining on the gems market is that it can be difficult or impossible to determine where these gems were mined because of the fact that poor, livelihood miners rarely sell directly to wholesalers.

In addition to the Shorny UBsistency, who use simple hand tools and feed on the sale of minerals and gems they locate, it can also be difficult to employ people to perform similar activities on a small scale. SomeEré mining operations on a small scale are also used by underground mines and processing plants, although they are often still limited to relatively simple hand tools. This type of craft mining can arise many problems, such as working conditions in mines and processing plants. In developing countries where these operations are commonly found, there may sometimes be a lack of supervision or regulations that can lead to safety and environmental concerns. To help relieve this, many organizations are working to improve the conditions of craft miners around the world.