Military intervention in informal mining: Allegations of bias and power dynamics in local and foreign mining operations

This study examines how artisanal and small-scale miners perceive military interventions. Drawing on field interviews conducted in southwestern Ghana and informed by the concepts of social justice and unintended consequences, the findings reveal that enforcement actions disproportionately target local miners, while foreign operators, particularly Chinese nationals, often avoid penalties. Miners report arrests, extortion, destruction of equipment, and physical abuse, reinforcing widespread perceptions of corruption and bias shaped by social and political connections. To explain this dynamic, the study introduces the Informal Mining Repression Cycle, which illustrates how military interventions fail to deter informal mining, entrench social and economic inequalities, and sustain its persistence. Many miners, facing unemployment and lacking viable alternatives, return to mining despite repeated crackdowns. Military enforcement is perceived as selective, inconsistent, and influenced by bribery and favoritism. Those without connections face harsher treatment, while individuals with political or financial backing often avoid sanctions. The findings highlight the limitations of militarized responses and point to the need for transparent, accountable, and development-oriented approaches. Even if military interventions are considered necessary, rotating enforcement personnel, enhancing oversight, and addressing the underlying economic, governance, and systemic drivers are essential steps toward disrupting the cycle of repression and achieving more sustainable outcomes.