| Abstract |
The use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is one of its least favourable applications. Although prior research about the formalisation of these mining systems has explored approaches to attaining sustainable development, studies that consider business models tailored to mining communities are absent. The question becomes, 'what sort of business model could engage the ASGM community to eliminate the use of mercury and how sustainable ASGM activities could be achieved by the implementation of such a business model?' This paper examines the relationships between ASGM, business models, and sustainability. We provide an analysis of managerial concepts applied to the ASGM field, emphasising a mercury-free transition. Through a case study of Barksanem mining company in Burkina Faso, we propose a novel framework for sustainable community-business models, which we call the community-business model canvas, to foster that transition. This canvas is meant to encourage more interdisciplinary research in the fields of management and mining and is an attempt to involve all the stakeholders in an enabling role in community-business models. The latter canvas has the potential to support mineral policy making, programmes, and business practices in building sustainable futures for artisanal and small-scale miners and their dependents. |
