Title: The LSM–ASM Interface in Peru: A QCA of a Policy Bottleneck
Author/Institution: Marissa S. Boucher – MASc Thesis, University of British
Columbia Publication Year: 2020
Formalization and the Fragmented Mining Economy
Marissa Boucher’s master’s thesis examines the persistent divide between large-scale mining (LSM) and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Peru, identifying why decades of policy reforms have failed to integrate both sectors into a coherent framework. The study frames this tension as a policy bottleneck structural misalignment between formal governance systems and informal economic realities. Boucher argues that the state’s dualistic approach, which simultaneously criminalizes and tolerates informal mining, has created a governance paradox: efforts to formalize ASM often reinforce exclusion and perpetuate conflict with industrial operations.
Methodological Approach and Empirical Insights
Using a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) of policy cases across regions such as Madre de Dios, Puno, and La Libertad, the research identifies the key variables shaping policy outcomes: institutional capacity, local enforcement, economic incentives, and stakeholder coordination. Boucher’s findings reveal that successful formalization occurs only when technical assistance, fiscal support, and clear legal pathways align—conditions are rarely met in practice. Interviews with miners, regulators, and civil-society actors show how overlapping jurisdictions and inconsistent enforcement erode trust, leaving artisanal miners trapped between illegality and vulnerability, while companies face escalating social and environmental risks.
Implications for Governance and Inclusive Development
The thesis concludes that bridging the LSM–ASM divide requires a shift from punitive regulation toward adaptive, participatory governance. Boucher proposes a multi-tiered framework linking environmental certification, market access, and local development planning to transform ASM from a liability into a source of livelihood security. For policymakers, the study offers a roadmap to convert Peru’s fragmented mining landscape into one of shared responsibility—where large-scale and small-scale actors coexist through transparency, mutual benefit, and strengthened territorial governance.