Strengthening Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining for Socio-Economic Development, Poverty Reduction and the Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in West Africa

28 June 2013
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United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa)
press release

Niamey — The Sub-Regional Office for West Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA/SRO-WA) will organize an ad hoc experts group meeting on the theme "strengthening artisanal and small-scale mining for socio-economic development, poverty reduction and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in West Africa", from July 9 to 10, 2013 in Dakar, Senegal.

The purpose of the Experts Group Ad hoc Meeting is to provide decision-makers of member countries with a platform for experience sharing on the mining sector, on one hand, and to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities of artisanal and small-scale mining, on the other hand, with a view to coming up with relevant recommendations that can help to make this activity a driver for growth, decent jobs, socio-economic development, poverty reduction and achievement of the MDGs.

Its specific goals are as follows: Have a greater insight into the problems facing artisanal and small-scale mining in the Sub-Region; Explore ways and means of developing informal artisanal mining into semi-industrial mining businesses operating in the formal sector; Help to implement the "African Mining Vision", especially by proposing systems that can help to harness artisanal and small-scale mining potential with a view to improving the livelihood of rural populations in a sustainable manner, Kick-start the formation of mining businesses, promote an integrated local and national development, as well as Sub-Regional cooperation in the sector.

Further to a review of the West African context, Mr. Aboubacry Lom, Officer-In-Charge of the UNECA SRO-West Africa Office, indicated that the impact expected from mining on West African national economies and the local populations is hardly noticeable, whereas the mining industry ought to be a solid driver for economic growth and poverty reduction in these countries. Henceforth the necessity to search for innovative strategies to boost the contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining to the socio-economic development of the countries in particular and the continent as a whole.

UNECA/SRO-WA has produced a working paper that details these issues and will provide a platform for deliberations by representatives from member countries. The final document containing the inputs from the experts will be finalized for a publication by UNECA/SRO-WA.

Experts from ministries in charge of mining, the economy and the environment of ECOWAS member States are expected at the meeting, which will equally be attended by experts from ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, United Nations Agencies as well as researchers and journalists.

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UNECA/SRO-WA Communications

Tel: (227) 20722961

Fax: (227) 20722894

Website: www.uneca.org

Read the original article on UNECA.

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