Côte d'Ivoire announces measures for 'zero tolerance' against illegal gold mining
At a national workshop in Yamoussoukro on September 6, Ivorian authorities announced ten priority actions to combat illegal gold mining, including intelligence measures, creation of special security squads, and draft laws to increase penalties. Interior Minister Diomandé Vagondo stated the goal of eradicating illegal gold mining within six months. The National Security Council noted the phenomenon is progressing despite the dismantling of over 8,500 clandestine sites in the past five years.
Why it matters: This relates to the theme of state capacity and governance, as the government's response to illegal gold mining involves security and legislative measures.