Artisanal mining, often seen as a route to economic empowerment and local development, is marked by significant complexities. It provides a lifeline for many individuals and communities, offering opportunities for self-reliance and income generation. Particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector is viewed as a viable pathway for sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation. In South Africa, artisanal mining is frequently the sole income source for individuals or households, with the Zama Zama route becoming a means of livelihood due to limited formal sector job opportunities. However, the sector faces numerous challenges. Operating often outside formal regulation, it is plagued by environmental degradation, unsafe working conditions, and sometimes exploitative practices. These issues contrast sharply with the sector’s potential for positive socioeconomic impact. Governments and industry players often neglect the sector, focusing on its negative impacts rather than addressing the challenges to enhance socioeconomic opportunities. Understanding the complexities of artisanal mining and addressing its social and environmental challenges is crucial. Recognizing potential benefits and significant obstacles in the wider ASM discourse is essential, as ignoring these challenges could hinder development and limit socioeconomic benefits for artisanal miners. Also, there seems to be a trend in the media to spotlight the social and environmental impacts of artisanal mining. To balance the narrative, the latter part of this chapter compares the social and environmental impacts of artisanal mining with those of large-scale mining (LSM) operations.