All that glitters: Ghana battles illegal mining

Ghana has long been known for its bountiful gold reserves and was called "the Gold Coast" during its colonial era.

But illegal mining in Africa's second largest producer is taking a heavy human as well as environmental and economic toll with more than $2 billion lost to the practice last year alone.

Campaigners have been lobbying against illegal mining -- known locally as "galamsey" -- since February when local media revealed the dramatic impact that the practice, which often uses mercury, was having on Ghana's soil and water supply.

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