In the early days of ASM development, the legal environment was not clear, human rights violations were a regular occurrence, and there was limited access to government services and to information. Since its establishment, the National Federation has worked to mainstream a human rights-based approach in all aspects of artisanal mining activities, contributing to increased human rights awareness among miners and stakeholders. The National Federation aims to ensure that rights-holders are aware of their rights and protections, and duty-bearers respect and protect people’s rights and interests. The National Federation focused on the capacity building of internal staff and member ASM NGOs. For example, it supports members in gain the skills needed to apply a human rights perspective to issues involving land permissions, the registration and formalisation of artisanal miners, taxation, local administrations, and trade.

The National Federation of Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (the National Federation) is an umbrella organisation established in 2013 to respond to the emerging need of artisanal miners for the development of sustainable artisanal mining by improving the sector’s socio-economic impacts, promoting positive public attitudes towards ASM, and promoting safe working conditions. Sixty-seven NGOs are members of the ASM National Federation and are dedicated to improving ASM operations and protecting the rights of 6200 members, and contributing to the development of environmentally friendly, responsible artisanal mining nationally.The first national meeting of artisanal miners was held Parliament House in May 2013, bringing together about 250 miners. This resulted in the establishment of the National Federation for Artisanal Small-Scale Miners.