How Artisan Mining Is Helping Mali?

But, it’s not all smooth sailing. In recent years, small-scale mining has received a large amount of negative press. The lack of policies in West African countries, and the lack of enforcement of the ones they do have, means vulnerable groups (like women and children) are in some cases taken advantage of. This applies particularly to miners’ working conditions, and some mines are actually operated illegally.........
 Additionally, artisan mining often has far less of an environmental impact than large-scale productions. Mercury pollution is an issue though, as artisan mining is the second largest producer of this.
http://urbantimes.co/2014/07/artisan-mining-mali/