Dominic Raab warns illegal mining funds drug cartels and terrorists

Rt. Hon. Dominic Raab, the former UK Deputy Prime Minister and current special envoy for the World Gold Council, has warned that illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining is increasingly being used to finance criminal organizations, including drug cartels and mercenary groups. Speaking at the Mining in Motion Summit 2026, Raab explained that the global rise in gold prices has transformed illicit mining into a highly lucrative revenue stream for these networks. He cautioned that fragmented regulations across West Africa have allowed these illicit activities to flourish, creating a bridge between local environmental issues and international organized crime.

Raab specifically highlighted the security risks facing Ghana, noting that the country’s geographical position makes it particularly vulnerable to the expansion of jihadist groups from the Sahel region. He argued that the practice commonly known as galamsey is no longer just an environmental or economic concern but a significant national security threat. According to Raab, the proceeds from illegal gold trading are often used to facilitate human trafficking and provide the necessary capital for extremist groups to expand their operations across the sub-region, further destabilizing fragile border areas.

To combat these growing threats, Raab called for an urgent and coordinated international effort to formalize gold supply chains and protect state revenues. He emphasized the need for enhanced law enforcement alongside the creation of viable markets for legally mined gold, which would allow small-scale miners to be integrated into the formal economy rather than being exploited by criminal networks. By providing a pathway for responsible mining, Raab suggested that governments could reclaim lost tax revenue and simultaneously cut off a vital funding source for terrorists and mercenaries operating in West Africa.