Small-scale mining forms an important sector of Ghana's economy, employing one million people directly and supporting the livelihoods of about 4.5 million people. The industry accounts for 35% of the country's total gold production.
Although Ghana requires permits to mine on a small scale, it is estimated that about 70% of small-scale miners are unregistered and operate illegally. They are known locally as galamsey, meaning to "gather and sell".
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