Permits and concessions should be transferable with a minimum of government interference. Investment agreements, where required, should provide additional assurances to protect the investor from unwarranted government interference, and provide additional safeguards for the government to ensure that investors will live up to their obligations. Government institutions should discontinue operational and marketing functions. Environmental, health and safety aspects of mining in Africa have been neglected in the past. To ensure sustainable mining development, appropriate regulations and standards need to be established together with effective monitoring and enforcement capabilities.
Artisanal mining requires special attention by African governments.
Legalization and improved organization of artisanal mining would generate income in rural areas and provide revenue to the government. Incentive-based marketing systems would reduce illegal exportation of minerals by unlicensed traders. In this report mining includes all non-fuel minerals, gemstones and uranium but excludes coal, oil and gas. Back 2 Africa is used as an abbreviation for Sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa is defined exclusive of the Republic of South Africa unless otherwise noted.