Illegal Gold Mining: When Gold Escapes the National Economy

In Kédougou, formal mining generates nearly 1,500 billion FCFA over five years, including 324 billion FCFA in taxes paid to the state. Illegal gold mining poses a major problem as it escapes control mechanisms, leading to a loss of tax revenue and environmental consequences. While artisanal gold mining is essential for many families, the solution lies in the formalization and regulation of mining activities.