L' économie minière de l’orpaillage artisanal dans les sociétés post-conflit : jeux des acteurs et enjeux de développement et de coopération internationale. Étude de cas en Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Traditional gold mining economy appeared in Côte d'Ivoire in the early 2000s following the rebellion where the northern part of the country was taken over. The rebels set up this economy to find resources to finance the war effort and seemingly create economic activity in the various regions under their control. Since then, this activity has continued to be and became the main economic activity in the various rural areas of the country after the reunification of the country. This economy, while providing significant income to miners and local populations, cannot by itself ensure local development and needs support from both the state and the mineral mining multinationals for public-private partnership. This is more so important since the traditional miners have expertise in both extraction and marketing. They master the local and subregional
market, that is different from the multinational markets. Cooperation between the state, traditional gold miners and mining multinationals could create thousands of jobs and reduce environmental consequences and accident risks. This could lead to real local development in the various regions and is where international co-operation should take action.