The Five most problematic areas to overcome are as follows: 

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• The biggest challenge with Artisanal and small-scale mining is perception because of its traditional association with criminal activities.

• Whole syndicates often operate in villages and regions, taking advantage of workers, mine owners and Investors.

• Syndicates often use the proceeds to fund other syndicated criminal activity (gun smuggling, human trafficking and/or drugs).

• Owners and Operators get a pitiful share of the overall profits whilst middle men and buyers take the lion’s share.

• Environmental damage - due to lack of resources, equipment and training.