In Ivory Coast, artisanal gold mining, especially at clandestine sites, is experiencing a worrying increase. According to France 24, Ivorian authorities have decided to strengthen sanctions against illegal gold panning, which is accused of degrading land and polluting waterways.
Despite these measures, combating this activity remains complex on the ground. Indeed, for many young people, artisanal gold mining is one of the few available sources of income, complicating strict enforcement of bans.
This situation highlights a dilemma between environmental preservation and local economic realities, emphasized in a report by Jean Barrère and Damien Koffi for France 24.