Small-scale mining is labour intensive but it provides a source of income to a large number of men and women in developing countries.

It often provides an out of season alternative to agriculture. In addition, regions with a profusion of exploitable minerals are experiencing more permanent migration into mining activities because of factors such as climate change and worsening economics are affecting traditional industries and agricultural employment.

For more than eleven million people who rely on small-scale mining for their livelihood, the development of better technologies and safer, more environmentally sound practices will make a real difference.