Precious Metals
Mali suspends artisanal gold mining activities due to weather conditions
A spokesperson for the ministry told Reuters that meteorological services have forecast heavy rains from June 15 to September 30.
"The reason for this (suspension) is quite simply safety," the spokesperson said in a text message to Reuters.
In March, the government of Africa's second-largest gold producer suspended the granting of new artisanal mining permits to foreigners after a couple of accidents left dozens dead.
Artisanal mining is a common activity across much of West Africa and has increased in recent years due to growing demand for the precious metal and rising prices.
Deadly accidents are frequent as artisanal miners often use old-fashion and unregulated methods of digging.
Mali's gold production plunged 23% to around 57 metric tons last year of which about 6 tonnes came from artisanal miners.
Related Articles
Investigation uncovers fraudulent identity documen...
10 Sep, 2024 08:08
The Top Five Gold-Producing Countries in Africa in...
10 Sep, 2024 08:46
AngloGold notes ‘enormous geological potential’ in...
10 Sep, 2024 09:29
Awalé Resources expands BBM gold zone at Odienné p...
10 Sep, 2024 11:38
Proposed amendment: Gold mines to be subject to th...
10 Sep, 2024 12:39
Pan African Resources Annual Result Improves; Expe...
12 Sep, 2024 07:42
African countries are joining the sovereign gold-b...
12 Sep, 2024 08:07
Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Announces Positive Inde...
16 Sep, 2024 09:11
At least 20 likely dead in violence near Papua New...
16 Sep, 2024 10:37