Since 2006, when large deposits of gold were discovered here,[3] Diabougou grew rapidly into a mining village, with the traditional round huts now joined by a shanty town of structures built from whatever materials came to hand, from plastic sheeting to planks, sheet metal, and cardboard. A wide range of impromptu shops repair cycles and motorbikes, and sell food and cell phones. It has been estimated that the population was 10,000 in 2013,[1] but the workforce also includes commuters. Being near the border with Mali, the village has attracted workers from across the border as well as from Guinea and The Gambia.[4]
A 2011 report said that the gold rush had given the village a population of thousands, who were joining the unofficial part of the Senegalese mining industry. The new population from nearby Mali is supplemented by workers who use motorbikes to cross the river to commute internationally each day.[1] Workers who do not traditionally come from Diabougou have to pay a levy to the local chief to mine here.[1] The miners in the village have created a system to manage the distribution of profit, but amateur miners can get involved in building improvised mine shafts that can reach a depth of 30 metres (98 ft). At this depth, the miners face both the danger of collapse and high temperatures.[4] The mines will tackle finds that may stretch for half a mile and this may involve 300 people working together.[1]
Regular work for boys is to carry large quantities of water from the river in plastic jugs so that gold may be extracted. The ore and water are run over sluices which are lined with carpet. The carpet entraps heavier minerals, whilst the water and lighter material are washed away. Traditionally, the gold gathered is evaluated each Friday.[1]
Senegal