The growing global demand for gold and other critical minerals is fueling crime, corruption, and instability across the mineral supply chain, particularly in Africa.
This is according to a new report released on Tuesday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Titled ‘Minerals Crime: Illegal Gold Mining— part two of the Global Analysis on Crimes that Affect the Environment’—the report explores the key drivers of minerals-related crime, the involvement of various actors, and the movement of unprocessed metals and illicit proceeds across borders.