Illegal mining in northern Nigeria has serious implications, with the exchange of illegally mined gold for weapons and the exploitation of women and girls at its core. Regions like Zamfara face severe challenges with over two million individuals relying on illegal mining for survival, driven by rising gold prices and socio-economic crises. Efforts to address these issues must include prosecuting those exploiting minors and increasing community awareness, amidst significant ongoing security risks.
Illegal mining in northern Nigeria has alarming implications, with two significant concerns: the illegal trade of mined gold for weapons and the exploitation of women and girls in this illicit sector. Regions like Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara are deeply affected, with about 80% of local mining being illegal and artisanal. More than two million people rely on these activities for their livelihoods, exacerbated by the rising global gold prices since 2009. Collaboration among influential Nigerians and foreign operatives from countries like Burkina Faso and Ghana has been identified, alongside ongoing legal proceedings against nineteen foreigners for illegal mining. The exchange of illegally mined gold for arms is prevalent, fuelling violence, local conflicts, and banditry, particularly noted in Zamfara State. Women and girls, some as young as twelve, are involved in illegal mining in two ways: firstly, as labourers exposed to hazardous conditions, leading to serious health issues. Secondly, they are used to transport illegally mined gold and arms across borders due to their exploitation and lower wage expectations compared to men. Analyses point out that these women are often targeted by criminal networks who capitalise on their vulnerabilities in areas lacking state authority. The rise of criminal organisations has resulted in a thriving underground economy, impacting women and girls significantly, highlighting broader socio-economic challenges including high unemployment and poverty rates, particularly among the youth. The ongoing security crises, like the Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herdsmen conflicts, contribute to this cycle of poverty and exploitation, especially with a rising number of out-of-school children, predominantly girls, available for recruitment by illegal operations. To mitigate these issues, restoring government presence in unregulated areas is crucial, along with prosecuting not only illegal miners but also those exploiting minors. Awareness campaigns are essential, but without legitimate employment opportunities, achieving lasting security remains challenging in north-west Nigeria.
Illegal mining in northern Nigeria is characterised by a high dependence on artisanal practices, with vast numbers of people, especially women and young girls, drawn into this dangerous economic activity. The region suffers from severe socio-economic issues, including poverty and unemployment, intensified by ongoing security concerns. The involvement of women and girls in illegal mining raises significant human rights and safety issues, particularly as they are exploited both as labourers and as couriers for illegal operations. This situation has been exacerbated by the absence of governmental authority in many areas, allowing criminal networks to thrive.
In summary, illegal mining in northern Nigeria presents deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, significantly affecting women and girls who are exploited in various capacities within this dangerous industry. The intersection of poverty, security crises, and the illegal economy necessitates urgent government action to regain control of these regions, alongside community engagement to raise awareness about the risks of exploiting minors in such illicit practices. Until viable legal employment opportunities are established, sustainable solutions to these challenges remain elusive.
Original Source: enactafrica.org