– AI and Drone Surveillance Step In to Combat West Africa’s Illegal Gold Mining Boom

With gold prices surging beyond $3,300 per ounce, illegal mining is on the rise across West Africa, escalating tensions between large-scale mining companies and informal miners. At Ghana’s Tarkwa mine, owned by Gold Fields, drones are deployed daily to monitor over 200 square kilometers, enabling rapid deployment of armed response teams.

This surge in unregulated mining stems from a mix of economic hardship, robust global demand, and lax regulation. Nearly 10 million individuals across Africa depend on artisanal mining, which contributes up to 30% of the region’s gold production. However, these operations are becoming increasingly violent—Reuters reports at least 20 informal miners have died in confrontations with security forces since late 2024.

“These aren’t just small groups,” said Edwin Asare, head of security at Gold Fields. “Criminal networks, including foreign actors such as Chinese nationals, are supporting more advanced and damaging techniques.”

In response, Ghanaian authorities are adopting a mix of technology and enforcement. The Minerals Commission is rolling out AI-driven control centers that coordinate drones and excavators equipped with tracking technology. These systems can even disable unauthorized equipment remotely.

Still, mining companies are feeling the pressure. Some spend upwards of $500,000 annually on surveillance and security—funds that might otherwise support local development. There are even reports of government requests for mining firms to cover military deployment costs, estimated at $18,000 per unit, per day.

Industry stakeholders are raising alarms over potential consequences, such as depleted ore reserves, reduced mine lifespans, and gold smuggling—Ghana reportedly lost 229 metric tons to illegal trade between 2019 and 2023, according to Swissaid.

While tech and military measures are expanding, experts argue that long-term stability depends on combining enforcement with broader economic alternatives. As analyst Ulf Laessing noted, “The higher gold climbs, the more intense these conflicts are likely to become.”