Every year, gold panning and artisanal mining attract thousands of people to rural areas of Togo. These internal migrations, whether temporary, seasonal or long-term, transform territories, local economies and social relations. In light of the trade-off between economic opportunities and health and environmental risks, what is the actual overall assessment of these small-scale mining-related migrations in Togo?

Following the rediscovery and subsequent rapid growth of local gold veins and deposits, the number of sites where people pan for gold has increased, primarily in the Kara, Plateaux and Central regions. This activity attracts people from other parts of Togo, including rural youths and seasonal workers, as well as groups from neighbouring countries who are seeking immediate employment and income. While these movements form part of short-term (seasonal) migration dynamics,  they also result in residential restructuring when workers settle around mining camps for extended periods.

Who migrates, and why?

Most internal migrants heading to artisanal mining sites are young adults with limited qualifications. They are drawn by the prospect of earning more than they would through subsistence farming. This economic appeal is reinforced by the scarcity of local job opportunities, declining agricultural yields, and information spreading about the earnings reported in nearby mining camps. Gold panning also serves as a safety net: in times of crisis such as poor harvests, pandemics or seasonal unemployment, many people turn to mining sites to support their families.

Major health and environmental impacts

Unregulated artisanal mining can have severe consequences. The use of mercury in gold extraction, which is well documented in Togo, contaminates soils and waterways, affecting the food chain and the health of local communities (e.g. causing neurological issues and kidney problems). Deforestation, soil erosion and the pollution of deep aquifers permanently reduce agricultural productivity and the quality of drinking water. This sometimes forces people to relocate when areas become unsuitable for farming. These health and ecological consequences have been highlighted in local studies and ministerial communications aimed at regulating the sector

Local socio-economic consequences

Gold panning provides an immediate source of income for some households and stimulates local markets, including transport, food supply and crafts. However, these gains are unevenly distributed: most artisanal miners work in the informal sector and face precarious conditions. They also see a large proportion of the added value being captured by traders and intermediaries. Furthermore, the influx of people into mining camps puts pressure on the land, firewood, water and health services, increasing the risk of conflicts within villages and the deterioration of social capital. 

Cross-border mobility and Togo’s role as a regional market

Due to its geographical location and gold-buying markets, Togo is sometimes involved in regional supply chains. Gold extracted in neighbouring countries is transported through buying posts in Togo, attracting foreign gold miners and complicating the management of migration flows. These dynamics foster intra-regional migration and various forms of ‘grey economy’ activity surrounding the precious metal. Regional studies have highlighted these commercial corridors and their implications for governance and the fight against illicit trafficking.

According to the 2022 EITI report, 20.6 tonnes of gold were exported undeclared, compared to the officially reported figure of just 0.6 tonnes.

Governance, local initiatives and the legal framework

In response to these challenges, the Togolese authorities and their international partners, including UNEP, NGOs and research centres, have conducted numerous studies and awareness campaigns, as well as implementing various initiatives. These include the formalisation of miners, organising them into cooperatives, and adopting best practices to reduce mercury use. From 2021 onwards, the state has expressed its intention to regulate the sub-sector more effectively, with the aim of minimising health and environmental impacts while preserving community incomes. However, effective implementation continues to be hindered by limited institutional capacity, the dominance of the informal economy and issues related to corruption and uneven taxation.

Although internal migration linked to artisanal mining in Togo creates employment opportunities, it also gives rise to significant health, environmental and social vulnerabilities. To transform this phenomenon into a sustainable opportunity, a comprehensive approach incorporating formalisation, social protection, economic diversification and regional governance is needed. Without this, the continuous movement of populations towards mining sites could perpetuate a cycle of deteriorating livelihoods and trigger new waves of internal migration.