The political economy of small-scale mining in Zimbabwe

The police and corrupt officials are always on the look-out for making a cut, so mining is embroiled in a mesh of patronage relations. It is incredibly hard work, and dangerous, especially when mercury is used in the process. Although the data is limited, recent work shows that over 70% of small-scale miners have some level of mercury poisoning.
http://www.thezimbabwean.co/2015/10/the-political-economy-of-small-scale-mining-in-zimbabwe/