GALAMSEY VRS SMALL-SCALE MINING

Understanding the Difference between Galamsey and Artisanal Small-Scale Mining

In Ghana, the terms galamsey and artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) are often used interchangeably, creating confusion in public discussions and policy debates. Both refer to small-scale gold extraction activities, but they differ sharply in legality, regulation, and environmental responsibility.

Galamsey describes illegal mining operations carried out without official licenses or environmental oversight, often linked to river pollution, deforestation, and unsafe working conditions. In contrast, artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) is legally recognised under Ghana’s mining laws, allowing Ghanaians to mine on a small scale under strict regulation and supervision.

The confusion arises because both forms use similar tools and techniques; from simple pans to excavators, and sometimes take place in the same communities. However, their legal status, environmental practices, and relationship with the state make them fundamentally different. Understanding this distinction is key to designing fair, effective, and sustainable mining policies.

Summary:

• Galamsey means illegal mining. It is done without a license or government permission.

• Small-scale mining is legal mining activity, but only if the miner has a license from the Minerals Commission and follows environmental rules.

In short:

All galamsey is small-scale mining, but not all small-scale mining is galamsey.
Galamsey = illegal small-scale mining.
Licensed ASM = legal small-scale mining.

Find below the difference in this table

If you find yourself on a site, and wants to know whether the activities of a small-scale mining is galamsey or Small-scale, look out for the following: But before that, remember you are not an expert or an authorized inspector from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, so leave that inspection work to them.

Now find below, detailed differences between Galamsey and Artisanal Small – Scale mining.