A development expert at the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr. Steve Mante, has described as a mirage notions that Africa’s mining sector has contributed enormously to its development. He said mining in Africa, has rather led to grave environmental problems and health risks that have destroyed the “traditional and economic foundations” of local communities. Speaking to Joy News, Mr Mante made references to World Bank reports on the activities of mining companies in Africa between 1993 and 2002, and condemned the performance of the companies saying they have not done enough. “Those who actually contend that mining is the best thing to ever happen to Africa overlook the fact that when you are actually doing such assessment you need to look at the revenue and also the cost, otherwise you’ll not get the right picture,” he stated.