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Why governments of Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and other African nations permitting illegal mining?

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.

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