Why governments of Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and other African nations permitting illegal mining?
Introduction
Illegal mining activities have become a significant issue across several African nations, particularly in West Africa. This review will focus on the situation in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and touch on other affected countries.
Ghana
Ghana, known as the second-largest gold producer in Africa, has been grappling with widespread illegal mining, locally termed “galamsey”. The practice has led to severe environmental degradation, including:
Pollution of major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, Oti, Offin, and Birim
Destruction of forests and farmlands, including cocoa farms
Contamination of over 60% of the country’s water sources with mercury and other toxins
The Ghanaian government has made efforts to combat illegal mining, including:
Launching Operation Vanguard in 2017, a joint military and police task force
Introducing community mining programs to regulate small-scale mining
Convicting 76 people since August 2021, with over 850 facing trial
However, these efforts have been largely ineffective due to corruption and lack of political will. Some high-ranking politicians and party officials have been implicated in illegal mining activities.
Nigeria
Nigeria has seen an increase in illegal mining activities, particularly involving Chinese nationals.
Recent developments include
Arrests of 13 Chinese workers in Kwara state for illegal mining and non-payment of royalties
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pursuing Chinese companies like Sinuo Xiyan Nigeria
The government pushing for cooperation between federal and state levels to eliminate illegal mining
Ivory Coast
The country is known for its gold mining industry. Legal mining companies operating in Ivory Coast include.
Foraco International
Randgold Resources
Perseus Mining Limited
We are researching illegal mining in Ivory Coast as quite possibly the activities are curtailed from media by government.
Other African Countries
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The government has banned six Chinese businesses in South Kivu for illegally extracting gold and other minerals.
South Africa
The country is dealing with illegal miners known as “zama zamas” who occupy both closed and active mines. The government estimates annual losses of 70 billion rand ($4 million) in gold alone due to illegal mining.
Namibia
The government revoked the mining license of Chinese company Xinfeng Investments and ordered it to cease operations due to improper application processes.
Government Contracts to Foreign Companies
Some other insights include:
Ghana
The government has granted mining leases to several foreign companies, including:
Adamus Resources Limited
Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Limited
AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited
Ivory Coast
The government has partnerships with foreign mining companies such as:
Randgold Resources
Perseus Mining Limited
DRC
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has invested $150 million in the development of the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex.
Zambia
Barrick is investing $2 billion to expand its Lumwana copper mine.
Tanzania
BHP has taken a stake in the Kabanga nickel project.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while governments are granting contracts to foreign companies for legal mining operations, they are simultaneously struggling to combat illegal mining activities.
The challenge lies in balancing economic development through foreign investment with environmental protection and the welfare of local communities.
There are estimated one million people engaged in illegal mining in Africa. We will be reviewing more details on this illegal mining activity which has taken money from poor people of Africa and filled pockets of corrupt leaders.
