Abstract: Almost all countries in the world have paid high attention to the roles and development of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Some international organizations like the World bank also established specific ASM agencies and often held various conferences to discuss policies and managements of ASM. This article managed to analyze the definitions and situation of ASM in different countries of the world, and then their development evolution. Some experiences for the ASM management and policies are concluded for the uses and references of ASM policies of China at the end of the article.