> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://laxmint.gitbook.io/litepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://laxmint.gitbook.io/litepaper/artisanal-small-scale-gold-mining-asgm-industry-context/economic-inequality.md).

# Economic Inequality

Economic benefits from artisanal mining operations rarely reach the communities that drive the sector. Instead, wealth accumulates disproportionately among major corporations and traders. Despite abundant natural resources, mining communities frequently remain impoverished, experiencing inadequate infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other critical social services. This phenomenon is part of the broader "resource curse," where countries rich in natural resources often experience poorer economic outcomes compared to those with fewer resources.