A Study on Ivory Coast with the Impacts of Artisanal Gold Mining on Local Livelihoods and the Mining Industry

Abstract

In rural regions, mining is an activity that employs many people due to the fact that the barriers to entry are sometime trivial, with very low technology, capital fund and no specialized skills required. Many people including children into artisanal mining in Ivory Coast because they can earn higher incomes in mining than through other traditional activities such as agriculture, which is the main activity in the country. Artisanal mining contribute to reduce the abject poverty and it offers many others opportunities. However, this activity has many negative social impacts. Local people including miners are risking their life everyday due to the unsanitary conditions, prostitution, chemical contaminants, and alcoholism, and also the large degradation of lands. The main objective of this Paper is to understand how artisanal gold mining in the Ivory Coast affects local livelihoods and the environment. Some key recommendations for addressing artisanal mining activities in order to have a good option for sustainable management of mineral resources in the country are proposed.