Topic in Focus

How can human rights due diligence move beyond identifying risks to enabling a just and responsible transition in artisanal and small-scale mining, where prevention, remedy, safer technology and traceability work together to protect people and strengthen responsible mineral supply chains?

Overview

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is essential to global mineral supply chains, yet millions of workers remain exposed to unsafe conditions, occupational disease and limited access to remedy. Using the Rajasthan, India, pilot on silicosis prevention and elimination as a practical case study, this session explores how Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) can move from policy commitments to measurable action on the ground. It examines a transition from compensation to prevention through early detection, safer technologies, worker protection, sustainable livelihoods, rehabilitation and traceability. Bringing together ASM actors, medical and technical institutions, governments and responsible supply-chain stakeholders, the session asks how HRDD can reach the deepest tiers of mineral supply chains and deliver tangible improvements for workers and communities.

Why it matters

ASM workers are often at the most vulnerable end of mineral supply chains, despite their critical contribution to the global energy transition. The pilot proposes a shift towards prevention, early detection, safer technologies, livelihoods and traceability—demonstrating how HRDD can become a practical mechanism for prevention, remedy, accountability and responsible sourcing.

Who should attend?

• Mining and mineral companies, buyers and responsible sourcing actors

• Artisanal and small-scale mining organisations and representatives

• Governments and policymakers

• Investors, CSR and development partners

• Human rights and responsible business practitioners

• Technology, health and occupational safety experts

• Civil society and community organisations

  
  

What participants will gain

1. A practical understanding of how HRDD can move from risk identification to measurable action at the deepest tiers of ASM supply chains.

2. Insights into a real-world transition from compensation to prevention, integrating early detection, occupational health, safer technologies, livelihoods and rehabilitation.

3. An understanding of how technology and traceability can strengthen responsible mineral supply chains while protecting workers and communities.

4. Opportunities to identify partnerships, investments and scalable solutions to replicate the model across ASM regions globally.