Nothing could be more invironmental friendly as metalldetecting for gold.

One of the best approaches is metal detecting. In Mali some villages or a few families start collectives that buy a metal detector. One good metal detector cost around 6000$

When people think about mining, the image that comes to mind is probably one of colossal pieces of machinery and mammoth trucks tearing giant holes into the ground. But stripped back to basics, mining is an artisan technique, which many communities in Africa still maintain.

If approached correctly, this type of mining has the potential to create sustainable livelihoods for millions of Africans. Additionally, artisan mining often has far less of an environmental impact than large-scale productions. Mercury pollution is an issue though, as artisan mining is the second largest producer of this. However, compared with large-scale mining, where more energy is consumed, more greenhouse gases are released, and more waste is produced, artisan mining is relatively low impact.

This growth can be attributed to a number of factors – equipment upgrades, mechanisation of certain tasks and processes, and an influx of workers coming in from neighbouring countries where rules on mining are stricter. However, as the name implies, artisan mining can only advance technologically so far before it develops into a different category of mining altogether. Thus, the basic techniques need to be maintained, meaning the amount of assistance that can be provided is limited.

However, without heavy-duty equipment to do all of the work, more workers are needed, thus creating more employment opportunities for a country where these are desperately needed. It is estimated that across developing countries, artisan mining provides incomes for between 20-30 million of the world’s poorest people. In a continent as rich in precious metals as Africa, mining is one sector which its countries can really take advantage of.