- Assessing Opportunities and Challenges in the ASM Gemstone Value Chain of KBK Districts, Odisha (2021)
This value chain study analyses the structure, performance, and constraints of the artisanal and small-scale gemstone mining sector in the KBK districts of Odisha. It maps actors, production processes, market linkages, and governance conditions shaping livelihoods in ASM regions. The report identifies key bottlenecks related to informality, access to finance, skills, and market transparency, alongside emerging opportunities for value addition and inclusive growth. Recommendations focus on strengthening institutional support, improving market access, and enhancing livelihood outcomes while addressing social and environmental risks within gemstone value chains.
- ASM Gold Value Chain Study in Odisha, India (2021)
This value chain assessment examines artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities in Odisha, with a focus on production practices, market linkages, and livelihood dynamics. It analyses actor relationships, regulatory challenges, and financial flows across the gold value chain. The study highlights risks associated with informality, occupational safety, and market exclusion, while identifying entry points for formalization, responsible sourcing, and income diversification. Evidence-based recommendations aim to support sustainable livelihoods, improved governance, and inclusive development within ASM gold mining ecosystems in Odisha.
- Unlocking Opportunities: Market Potential of Self-Help Group Products in ASM Regions (2022)
This market assessment explores the commercial potential of self-help group (SHG) products in artisanal and small-scale mining regions. It analyses product portfolios, supply capacities, quality standards, and market access constraints faced by SHGs operating in ASM-affected areas. The study identifies demand trends, value addition opportunities, and institutional linkages that can enhance income diversification for mining-dependent households. Findings emphasize the role of women-led enterprises in strengthening local economies and resilience. The report offers strategic recommendations for improving market integration, branding, and enterprise sustainability in ASM regions.
- A Baseline Study of ASM Communities in KBK Districts: Mitigating the Impacts of COVID-19 (2021)
This baseline research study assesses socio-economic conditions of artisanal and small-scale mining communities in the KBK districts during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines livelihood disruptions, income losses, access to services, and coping mechanisms across households. The study provides a foundation for designing targeted response and recovery interventions by identifying vulnerability profiles and priority needs. Findings highlight structural challenges related to informality, health risks, and social protection gaps. The report supports evidence-based planning for mitigating pandemic impacts and strengthening resilience in ASM communities.
- Preparedness and Awareness Level of ASM Communities to Respond to and Cope with the COVID-19 Outbreak (2021)
This assessment report evaluates the preparedness and awareness levels of artisanal and small-scale mining communities in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. It analyses knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to health risks, preventive measures, and institutional support. The study identifies gaps in information dissemination, service access, and behavioural adoption, particularly among informal and remote mining populations. Findings inform targeted risk communication and community engagement strategies. The report underscores the importance of context-specific outreach mechanisms to enhance crisis preparedness and health resilience in ASM communities.
- Training Need Assessment of ASM Workers: A Capacity-Building Roadmap (2022)
This training need assessment identifies skill gaps and capacity-building priorities among artisanal and small-scale mining workers. It analyses occupational practices, safety awareness, technical competencies, and alternative livelihood opportunities. The study provides a structured roadmap for designing training programmes aligned with responsible mining, livelihood diversification, and community resilience objectives. Findings emphasize the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive, and locally relevant capacity development approaches. Developed in collaboration with the World Bank Group and DELVE, the report informs policy and programme investments aimed at strengthening human capital in ASM regions.
- An Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on ASM Communities and Emerging Opportunities (2022)
This assessment report examines the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on artisanal and small-scale mining communities while identifying emerging recovery and diversification opportunities. It analyses livelihood disruptions, adaptive responses, and shifts in household strategies. The study highlights pathways for resilience-building through alternative livelihoods, skill development, and institutional support. Evidence-based insights inform recovery planning and longer-term development interventions in ASM regions. The report contributes to understanding how crises reshape ASM livelihoods and identifies opportunities to build more inclusive and resilient community systems.
Human and Institutional Development (HID) through Skill Training for Female Miners (2021)
This study evaluates human and institutional development initiatives focused on skill training for female miners in India’s ASM sector. It examines training design, participation, outcomes, and institutional support mechanisms that enable women’s economic empowerment. The assessment highlights improvements in technical skills, income diversification, leadership capacities, and collective organisation, while also identifying persistent barriers such as care responsibilities and limited market access. The report provides recommendations for gender-responsive training models, institutional strengthening, and policy integration to enhance women’s participation and leadership within ASM value chains.
ASM Gold Value Chain Analysis in India (2021)
This value chain analysis maps India’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining ecosystem from extraction to processing and market linkages. The study examines production practices, regulatory frameworks, informal market dynamics, environmental and occupational risks, and livelihood outcomes. Particular attention is given to midstream bottlenecks, technology gaps, and governance challenges. The analysis identifies opportunities for value addition, responsible sourcing, formalisation, and improved incomes for ASM workers. Policy and programme recommendations focus on strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing traceability, and supporting inclusive and environmentally responsible gold value chains.
Assessing Opportunities and Challenges in the ASM Gemstone Value Chain of KBK Districts, Odisha (2021)
This assessment explores the structure, performance, and development potential of the ASM gemstone value chain in Odisha’s KBK districts. It analyses resource availability, extraction practices, skill levels, market access, and income generation opportunities. Key challenges identified include informality, limited processing capabilities, weak bargaining power, and environmental risks. The study highlights pathways for upgrading through skill training, collective enterprises, market linkages, and institutional support. Findings inform strategies to enhance local value addition, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable gemstone mining in tribal and rural regions.