SITUATION ANALYSIS OF THE SMALL-SCALE GOLD ... - WWF

Fixed costs
Operator (150 gr. p. m.) 150.00
Cook (60 gr. p. m.) X 2 120.00
Oil boy 30.00
Fuel transporter 50.00
350.00
Depreciation
Poclain (50,000/3/12/12) 116.00
Gravel pump (4,500/3/12/12) X 2 20.00
Water pump (4,000/3/12/12) X 2 18.00
Hoses/small equipment X 2 10.00
ATV (9,000/5/12/12) 12.50
Workshop/tools (10,000/5/12/12) 14.00
Camp and furnishings (3,000//5/12/12) 4.00
194.5
Total fixed costs 544.50
Total costs (variable + fixed) 2,095.35
Revenues – (variable + fixed costs) 89.65
It is important to note that most miners operate at break even or make only a small profit.
In SSM almost all the capital resources go into the purchase of mining equipment,
logistics and start-up. Though some reconnaissance is done, funds for extensive
systematic exploration are rarely available. The erratic distribution of gold deposits and
the lack of information on the quality, quantity and mineralization patterns make this a
very risky undertaking. Basically, this manner of mining is a gamble. One can never
predict or anticipate what the outcome of a mining cycle will be. Nevertheless, operators
are eager to comply with the regulations in zones controlled by concession leasing
enterprises. The enterprises invest in the infrastructure and provide security as well as
other visible benefits to miners. The security arrangements at least provide some security
in a very risky enterprise environment.
4.8 Customary Mining Zones
Sela Creek is the most telling example of a customary mining zone. It is situated in the
Opo (up-river) Region of the Ndjuka settlement area along the Tapanahoni River. The
zone encompasses at least two creek basins, the Sela Creek and the Anamu Creek,
located about 10 kilometers upstream from the village cluster of Godo-olo. The mine was
discovered in the 1930s by Ma Sela, a Maroon woman who crossed the watershed
between the Gonini River and the Tapanahoni in order to reach her village. The existence
of this mine was kept secret until the second gold rush got underway. The mining areas
are quite a distance inland. Miners working further inland must walk a whole day to get
to their mine camps. Five years ago there were about 70 mining units with 700 persons
active in the region, including miners, service providers and transitory merchants. This is
probably the largest customary mining area in the interior.
Mining rights are allocated through Indigenous or tribal laws - regardless of formal
claims to the area. In the Upper Tapanahoni Region, for example, mining rights are
administered under customary law by two Ndjuka Maroon clans in respectively the Sela
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