Penelitian ini mengkaji dinamika akses dan kontestasi kepentingan aktor dalam perebutan lokasi pertambangan rakyat di Provinsi Jambi dan Bangka Belitung. Fokus kajian meliputi kondisi lapangan, faktor ekonomi yang mendorong partisipasi masyarakat, serta relasi kekuasaan antar aktor. Pendekatan kualitatif diterapkan dengan pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara purposif, dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil menunjukkan pertambangan rakyat berkembang pesat karena tingginya potensi sumber daya alam dan kebutuhan ekonomi masyarakat, meskipun sebagian besar kegiatan masih berstatus ilegal. Ketidaksesuaian regulasi dan praktik perizinan menciptakan ketidakpastian hukum yang mengancam keberlanjutan aktivitas tersebut. Pertambangan rakyat menjadi sumber utama penghidupan dengan dampak positif pada pendapatan dan kualitas hidup, namun juga menimbulkan tantangan keberlanjutan, ketimpangan sosial-ekonomi, serta risiko lingkungan. Kontestasi kepentingan memperlihatkan konflik struktural antara masyarakat, elite politik, dan pemilik modal yang didorong oleh lemahnya tata kelola dan regulasi. Dominasi perusahaan besar dan keterlibatan aktor lokal dalam praktik rente memperkuat perebutan sumber daya sebagai arena kekuasaan. Studi lanjutan disarankan untuk mengkaji narasi dan wacana antar pemangku kepentingan guna memperdalam pemahaman pembentukan kebijakan pertambangan rakyat di tingkat lokal.This study examines the dynamics of access and the contestation of interests among actors in the struggle over artisanal mining locations in the Jambi and Bangka Belitung Provinces. The focus of the study includes field conditions, economic factors driving community participation, and power relations among actors. A qualitative approach is applied, with data collected through observation, purposive interviews, and document studies. The results show that artisanal mining is rapidly developing due to the high potential of natural resources and the economic needs of the community, although most activities remain illegal. Regulatory mismatches and licensing practices create legal uncertainty that threatens the sustainability of these activities. Artisanal mining serves as a primary livelihood source with positive impacts on income and quality of life, but it also poses challenges related to sustainability, socio-economic inequality, and environmental risks. The contestation of interests reveals structural conflicts between communities, political elites, and capital owners, driven by weak governance and regulation. The dominance of large companies and the involvement of local actors in rent-seeking practices strengthen the competition over resources as a power arena. Further studies are recommended to examine the narratives and discourses among stakeholders to deepen the understanding of artisanal mining policy formation at the local level.