2026 ASM SYMPOSIUM

The growing global transition toward green energy systems and digital technologies has significantly increased demand for critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, manganese, nickel and rare earth elements. Southern Africa possesses vast reserves of these strategic minerals, placing the region at the centre of emerging global mineral value chains and industrial transformation opportunities. Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) continues to play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of many Southern African countries by contributing to employment creation, poverty reduction, rural livelihoods and mineral production. However, despite its importance, the ASM sector faces persistent challenges including limited formalisation, environmental degradation, unsafe working conditions, inadequate access to finance and technology, weak institutional support systems, and limited participation in downstream value addition processes. At the same time, the increasing global focus on responsible sourcing, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and inclusive development presents new opportunities for transforming ASM into a more productive, formalised and sustainable sector. There is therefore an urgent need for strengthened regional collaboration, policy harmonisation, capacity building, technological innovation and inclusive participation of women and youth in critical mineral value chains across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It is against this background, that the Symposium on "Sustainable Development and Capacity Building for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in SADC Countries" seeks to provide a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, research dissemination and policy engagement on sustainable ASM development within the context of critical minerals. The symposium will bring together policymakers, academics, researchers, mining practitioners, development partners, private sector actors, civil society organisations and community representatives to explore practical solutions and strategic partnerships for advancing responsible, inclusive and climate-resilient ASM systems in the region. The symposium further aims to stimulate evidence-based discussions on governance reforms, environmental management, technological innovation, local beneficiation, gender inclusion, youth empowerment, financing mechanisms and regional integration in critical mineral supply chains. Through this engagement, the symposium seeks to contribute toward sustainable mineral resource governance and inclusive economic transformation in SADC countries.