Unregulated artisanal mining under the spotlight

Throughout Africa artisanal and small-scale mining, whether legal or illegal, has been associated with social problems such as conflict, environmental damage, health risks and child labor.[1]

Although there are no exact numbers of how many people participate in such mining activities, it is evident that it is widespread. In Liberia, artisanal mining is rampant and provides an avenue for people to derive income. Though official figures are not readily available, it is believed that both local communities and foreigners are involved in this sector.[2] For women, this provides potential markets for their wares that range from clothes, food items and other petty goods

[1] http://theconversation.com/why-it-doesnt-make-sense-that-all-informal-mining-is-deemed-illegal-57237

[2] http://theconversation.com/why-it-doesnt-make-sense-that-all-informal-mining-is-deemed-illegal-57237