African governments asked to support artisanal and small scale mining

Maponga said the negative impact of an improperly regulated ASM had dire consequences for both the people and the environment and urged governments to support the sector. He said: “Artisanal and small scale mining is an area that requires support. The role of the state is to support small scale mining to be sustainable. The state should play a major role in assisting the sector.” Some of the consequences he noted include negative environmental impacts such as mercury contamination, deforestation, siltation; unreclaimed mine sites, child labor and gender inequality challenges and non-decent employment including poor working conditions
http://www.spyghana.com/african-governments-asked-support-artisanal-small-scale-mining/