ArtisanalSapphireMininginMadagascar摘要.docVIP

Artisanal Sapphire Mining in Madagascar: Environmental and Social Impacts Laura Tilghman, Merrill Baker Sally Dickinson DeLeon Madagascar 2005-2006 This report was prepared as part of a project on the environmental and social impacts and benefits of gemstone mining under a grant from the Tiffany Co. Foundation. Principal investigator: Saleem H. Ali, University of Vermont Last updated November 2007. ________________________________________________________________________ Within the past 20 years Madagascar has emerged as a major player in the international trade in precious colored gemstones. Most notably, in 2002 an estimated 50% of the world’s sapphires came from Madagascar. Production still relies heavily on artisanal miners and archaic methods, as formalized and large-scale mining of sapphires has been hampered by corruption, government bureaucracy, start-up risks, and other factors. While this situation allows for Malagasy from all ranks of society to become involved in the potentially lucrative sapphire market, it also creates a setting where the negative environmental and social effects of artisanal mining are left virtually unchecked. This article will examine artisanal sapphire mining in Madagascar in four sites throughout the country (one in the northern province of Antsiranana, and three in the southern province of Toliara). Attention will be paid to mining techniques and tools, as well as the environmental sensitivities of each site and any social impacts and/or benefits that the sapphire trade has brought to each area. The article will also discuss new Malagasy governmental mining laws and regulations, and non-governmental initiatives to improve the sapphire trade. The authors will also make their own recommendations for additional ways that could ameliorate negative environmental and social impacts currently associated with sapphire mining in Madagascar. General Context: Madagascar – conservation importance and social setting Madagascar is the fo