The Cost of Gold: Child Labor in Burkina Faso Running like a river beneath the sands of West Africa, massive rock strata laden with gold stretch from northern Ghana, across Mali and Burkina Faso and deep into Niger. Gold has been extracted from this part of Africa for centuries, but only in recent times has Burkina Faso been able to exploit the abundance of gold beneath its soil. Landlocked, Burkina Faso is wedged between Mali and Niger to the northwest and east, and borders Ghana on the north. Although large foreign countries had mined Burkina Faso gold for almost half a century, it wasn't until the famines of the 1980s forced families off their farms that artisanal or small-scale mining took root. Since then, thousands have migrated to the gold fields, abandoning their agrarian roots to toil in the small-scale mining operations that dot the countryside. To maximize profits, entire families work. And this means putting children to work as child laborers. Gold fever shows no sign of ending. https://wix.to/CcF8P8q #newblogpost
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AFRICANS- WE MUST BE ASHAMED OF OURSELVES! Isn't that #unfair, the way African #cheat and #steal from their own children? In the Africa of the past, all could witness the other forms of raw materials like #cotton, #cocoa, #coffee, #rubber, #timber etc., being shipped out of Affica in masses while the populations were starving to death of hunger, and the elders at the time could always find an #excuse on why these raw materials had to be shipped for nothing! Today the raw materials are leaving the continent in the more valued-forms of minerals and rare-earth and we Africans still have excuses for our children, who daily still have to go to bed hungry, the youths with no job perspectives, the hospital systems, schools, roads etc., simply practically all the critical infrastructures needed for the basic descent living all in a dilapidated situation! While some of us freely ship all these loads of riches out of the countries, the rest of us simply sit back and watch them do it, as we try to bribe our way out in corrupt systems to place our children into positions from which they'll never have an impact at effecting change! An indefinite amount of wealth is being taken from one daily, but one doesn't care any more! #Inexplicable!
Founder - Global Executive Director- Minerals Africa Development Institution MADI, Senior Research & Technical Advisor- Sustainable Mineral Resource Development - African Union ,
How much raw minerals does Africa export? ⚠️This video was taken from *an aerial view, from a helicopter at Beira Border Post* showing *truck loads from Zimbabwe loaded with raw mineral soil* and the stretch of the trucks in the *queue is about 60km.* These *raw minerals are shipped to a single country.*
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South Africa is the richest mineral-producing country in Africa --- According to a report done in 2022, by the Economist Intelligence Unit, South Africa, often referred to as the jewel of the African continent boasts a treasure trove of natural resources that have fueled its economic prosperity for decades. With abundant reserves of gold, manganese, platinum, and other precious materials, South Africa stands as a powerhouse in the global mineral market. In 2022 alone, the country's annual mineral production reached $124.96 billion, solidifying its position as a key player in the global export arena. From the iconic gold mines of Johannesburg to the vast platinum reserves of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa's natural wealth continues to drive economic growth and development.
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THE TRUE MAP OF AFRICA Africa's population exceeds 1.3 billion. Land is approximately 30 Million KM Sq Expected population doubling by 2050 to over 2.5 billion Approximately 60% of Africans are under the age of 25. Over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups contribute to cultural diversity. Africa is rich in gold, diamonds, platinum, copper, oil, uranium, bauxite, phosphates, coal, and iron ore. Africa is home to a wide range of languages, estimated between 1,250 to 2,000.
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Emerging Molecular Biologist 🧪| Intersectional Activist for Climate Action 🌡️, Gender Equity ♀️♂️ and Neurodiversity Acceptance 🧠| Public and Motivational Speaker 🔊
https://lnkd.in/dBjXXX6Y Over the past couple of months, I have been following a number of activists and journalists in the Congo and Sudan in efforts to keep up to date on the conflicts in the areas. I recently came across this powerful and impactful post by Congolese photojournalist Moses Sawasawa on Instagram that spoke to mineral exploitation within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the midst of vast natural resources, including minerals like cobalt, copper, and gold, the DRC struggles with one of the lowest GDP per capita figures globally. Despite the abundance of resources, the majority of Congolese citizens do not reap the benefits. Instead, small-scale artisanal miners, including women and children, toil in dangerous conditions, barely scraping by for survival. Sawasawa's documentation of the informal mining sector, with its associated risks and hardships, underscores a critical issue: the exploitation of minerals exacerbates and worsens existing conflicts and perpetuates instability in the region. Moses Sawasawa has stood out to me over the past few months for his amazing work, which amplifies the voices of those affected by the ongoing crisis in the DRC. His art serves as a catalyst for awareness and action. We must support journalists like Sawasawa who shine a light on pressing issues and inspire positive change. #DRC #MineralExploitation #ConflictResolution #Photojournalism #SocialJustice
moses sawasawa on Instagram: "DRC: THE CURSE OF GOLD AND OTHER MINERALS However, Congo has one of the lowest GDP per capita in the world and small-scale artisanal miners continue to work in perilous conditions with little hope of ensuring little more than survival. Hundreds of thousands of North Kivu residents, including women and children, work in the informal mining sector, mainly gold. The BGR
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Check out this astounding statistic! We're not at all surprised by the rapid influx into Ghana. 🇬🇭 As the largest producer of gold and the second-largest producer of cocoa in Africa, Ghana boasts abundant natural resources like diamonds, oil, and manganese ore. It's no wonder why this West African gem is attracting business travelers and expats worldwide! #Ghana #NaturalResources #BusinessOpportunities
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Geopolitical Risk Practitioner l Geopolitical Pivot Podcast Host l Published Geopolitical Author l Observer of Asymmetric Warfare l Advocate for Comprehensive National Security & Foreign Policy Strategic Guidance
🇧🇼🇦🇴🇳🇦🇿🇦🇿🇼🇱🇸🇸🇱🇨🇩 Eight African countries make top 10 diamond-producing countries globally Eight African nations secured positions within the top ten diamond-producing countries worldwide in 2023, highlighting Africa’s significant contribution to the global diamond industry. Africa is renowned for its wealth in valuable minerals essential for economic development, such as gold, copper, and platinum. The continent holds about 30% of the world’s total mineral reserves, impacting various industries, including electronics, infrastructure, and energy production. Diamonds, in particular, are a major resource for many African countries. The Kimberley Process, which regulates diamond trade and production, reports that 22 countries globally engage in rough diamond production, with African nations playing a prominent role. In 2023, Botswana’s diamond production was valued at $3.28 billion, making it one of the top producers. Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and DR Congo. #Botswana #Angola #Namibia #SouthAfrica #Zimbabwe #Lesotho #SierraLeone #DRCongo
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South Africa is a country that’s rich in mineral wealth, however, and as a nation, we’re awakening to the economic benefits to be found in that diversity. Manganese is a universal and widely used mineral essential for an enormous range of industries and sectors, particularly in the future economy. Read More: The Key Role of Manganese in South Africa. https://lnkd.in/dN3tamhD
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The Beauty of Africa: A Land of Riches and Resilience In 2023, fortune smiled upon a group of young miners in Ghana 🇬🇭, when they allegedly unearthed what is believed to be the largest gold nugget ever discovered in Africa 🌍. This remarkable find not only brought them wealth but also serves as a symbol of the abundant natural resources that Africa holds. While some speculate it might be a stone laced with raw gold, the undeniable truth is that these miners' lives have been transformed. Unconfirmed reports suggest that each of them now owns an estate in Ghana, showcasing how Africa's treasures can change lives and uplift communities. But this story is about more than just gold. It’s a testament to the resilience and potential of Africa. From the rich soils that yield precious minerals to the vibrant cultures that enrich the global tapestry, Africa stands as a continent of immense beauty and promise. Africa is blessed, not just with resources, but with a spirit of innovation, perseverance, and unity. As we celebrate this incredible discovery, let’s also recognize the broader narrative it represents: Africa’s potential to thrive and lead in the global community of nations. Africa is not just a land of wealth but a continent of rich cultures, strong values, and limitless possibilities. The world must see and appreciate the full picture of Africa, one that goes beyond its challenges and highlights its contributions to the global stage. 📸 Ghana The Motherland #Ghana #Africa #AfricanRiches #AfricaRising #ProudlyAfrican
The beauty of Africa! In 2023, luck shined on a young group of miners in Ghana 🇬🇭 when they allegedly dug up what is believed to be the biggest gold nugget ever discovered in Africa 🌍 Some said it's likely a stone laced with raw gold but today, they're all rich and unconfirmed sources said that each one of them now owns an estate in Ghana. Africa is blessed. 📸 Ghana The Motherland #ghana #africa
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Do you know your Africa? Did you know that the continent of Africa is one of the largest continents in the world ? And the continent with the continent with the largest number of variety of natural resources ? Current Population: Largest country by land size: Algeria Smallest country by land size: Seychelles Largest country by Population: Nigeria Smallest country by Population: Seychelles Natural Resources: arable land, water, oil, natural gas, diamonds, sugar, salt, gold, iron, cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite, silver, forests and wildlife
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Ghana, comes number one in top African countries with Gold production. 2) is Mali 3) is South Africa 4) is Burkina Fasso 5) is Sudan 6) is Guinea 7) is Tanzania 8) is Cote d'Ivoir 9) is Zimbabwe 10) Congo The risk of Investments, is not taking any risk. Take a step today in making a decision to invest in Gold. In the world that is changing, Gold has proven it's stability and value in the market. Make a decision for a better tomorrow.
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