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    zama zama Stories

    A group of men stand on reddish-brown earth at an informal mining site, surrounded by mounds of excavated soil and a water-filled pit. In the background, more miners can be seen working under a clear blue sky, with sparse vegetation on the horizon.
    News
    19 February 2025

    The Gold Rush No One Controls: How Illegal Mining is Reshaping Africa

    As Africa grapples with a $31-billion illegal gold trade, a recent tragedy in Mali highlights the human cost of an industry that operates in the shadows of the continent's formal economies.

    Illegal miners look for diamonds at old abandoned mines.
    Featured
    18 December 2024

    What's Happening in South Africa's Stilfontein Mines?

    Zama zamas expose poverty, desperation and regulatory failures in South Africa's abandoned mines.

    A portrait photo of Mahlanya.
    Latest
    12 March 2024

    Lesotho Musician Mahlanya on Old Stories and New Music

    Mahlanya, who recently released his latest album, addresses his chosen genre of music, famo's long-held relationship with illegal gold miners — zama zamas — in Southern Africa.

    More Stories

    OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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    OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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