Small-scale gold mining supports 10-20 million miners and their families. This high figure is impressive when you consider that artisanal small-scale mining accounts for only 10% of global gold production.

Small-scale mining, when done correctly, creates the greatest possible positive benefit for not just a few corporations, but potentially millions of people. Seals like Fairtrade and Fairmined help local people help themselves and earn a living by requiring compliance with occupational safety standards and guaranteeing fair wages. Simultaneously, communities are empowered to promote long-term development, whereas large-scale mining frequently provides only the most basic temporary housing. Villages are left to fend for themselves, with no positive impact from distant large mining corporations.