Spatial distribution of mineral deposits extracted by artisanal and small-scale mining in African Great Lakes Region

Abstract

The East African Great Lakes Region is an area rich in rare mineral resources and thus represents a great economic potential. Mineral mining in Great Lakes Region is proceeding in a specific way which is known as artisanal and small-scale mining. This mining with no mechanization is mostly expanding in developing countries. In these areas mining represents one of the main sources of income for the local population and creates one of the main pillars of economic development. This paper presents the artisanal and small-scale mining and spatial distribution of mineral deposits in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda where rare minerals are extracted. The aim of this article is to introduce artisanal and small-scale mining to Central Europe discussion where this topic is relatively neglected. Minerals which are extracted by artisanal and small-scale mining are used in electro-technical industry, i.e. mobile phones, computers, tablets, automobiles, aircrafts and other technical products manufacturing, the extracted minerals become significant and direct part of our everyday life.