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The role of flexible labour arrangements in the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining: the case of Rwanda

Rushemuka, Maxime LU (2024) p.259-286
Abstract
Over the past fifteen years, Rwanda has made significant progress in formalizing mining rights and the production processes of 3Ts minerals in its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. However, labour relations remain largely unregulated. This study analyses ASM activities through the production process observations, document reviews, and interviews with key informants involved in the sector's liberalization and formalization. It highlights the persistence of diverse and informal labour relationships between employers and miners, including the use of non-standardized remuneration methods. The discussions go beyond the narratives of qualifying informal labour relations as “formalization shortcomings” found in ASM literature.... (More)
Over the past fifteen years, Rwanda has made significant progress in formalizing mining rights and the production processes of 3Ts minerals in its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. However, labour relations remain largely unregulated. This study analyses ASM activities through the production process observations, document reviews, and interviews with key informants involved in the sector's liberalization and formalization. It highlights the persistence of diverse and informal labour relationships between employers and miners, including the use of non-standardized remuneration methods. The discussions go beyond the narratives of qualifying informal labour relations as “formalization shortcomings” found in ASM literature. Instead, the study reveals that flexible labour arrangements were essential for the success of Rwanda’s formalization efforts, helping mitigate investor risks. The regulation of these labour relations would have otherwise discouraged investment in formal mines. Informal labour conditions, however, weaken miners' positions, limiting their legal or administrative recourse against injustices. Despite this, formal ownership has imposed certain responsibilities on mine owners toward their workers, particularly regarding ensuring their safety on mining sites. The study concludes that in contexts like Rwanda’s, acknowledging the limitations of labour formalization and focusing on regulating other aspects of ASM may be more effective in improving miners' conditions.
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Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
keywords
3Ts, Rwanda, formalization, labour relations
host publication
Conjonctures de l’Afrique centrale
editor
Bashizi, A ; Jamar, A ; Samnick, D and Alinirhu, V
pages
28 pages
publisher
L'Harmattan
ISBN
978-2-336-50206-9
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
0ab4f01b-8243-49d2-bea7-3d5ddd02caa9
alternative location
https://www.editions-harmattan.fr/catalogue/livre/conjonctures-de-l-afrique-centrale/77685?srsltid=AfmBOopBIRVRZRv
date added to LUP
2025-10-20 15:11:48
date last changed
2025-10-21 11:05:13
@inbook{0ab4f01b-8243-49d2-bea7-3d5ddd02caa9,
  abstract     = {{Over the past fifteen years, Rwanda has made significant progress in formalizing mining rights and the production processes of 3Ts minerals in its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. However, labour relations remain largely unregulated. This study analyses ASM activities through the production process observations, document reviews, and interviews with key informants involved in the sector's liberalization and formalization. It highlights the persistence of diverse and informal labour relationships between employers and miners, including the use of non-standardized remuneration methods. The discussions go beyond the narratives of qualifying informal labour relations as “formalization shortcomings” found in ASM literature. Instead, the study reveals that flexible labour arrangements were essential for the success of Rwanda’s formalization efforts, helping mitigate investor risks. The regulation of these labour relations would have otherwise discouraged investment in formal mines. Informal labour conditions, however, weaken miners' positions, limiting their legal or administrative recourse against injustices. Despite this, formal ownership has imposed certain responsibilities on mine owners toward their workers, particularly regarding ensuring their safety on mining sites. The study concludes that in contexts like Rwanda’s, acknowledging the limitations of labour formalization and focusing on regulating other aspects of ASM may be more effective in improving miners' conditions. <br/>}},
  author       = {{Rushemuka, Maxime}},
  booktitle    = {{Conjonctures de l’Afrique centrale}},
  editor       = {{Bashizi, A and Jamar, A and Samnick, D and Alinirhu, V}},
  isbn         = {{978-2-336-50206-9}},
  keywords     = {{3Ts; Rwanda; formalization; labour relations}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{12}},
  pages        = {{259--286}},
  publisher    = {{L'Harmattan}},
  title        = {{The role of flexible labour arrangements in the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining: the case of Rwanda}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/230941579/Rushemuka_Role_of_Flexible...for_pass_for_press.pdf}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}