Since the outbreak of the military-political crisis of 2002, gold panning has experienced a new dynamic in Ivory Coast. This activity generates significant income for gold miners. Although it has positive effects, it also has negative effects. Indeed, its illegal nature not only exposes gold miners to legal proceedings, but also to various difficulties, notably accidents. This study aims to map the difficulties encountered by gold miners in carrying out their activity. The study was initially based on a review of previous writings related to the subject. Additional information was then collected through field missions to 220 gold miners spread across seven localities in the study area. The main results of this research revealed that gold panning is structured around several small activities. These are digging, collecting and washing. This activity is part of a strategy to diversify the sources of income of farmers (26%), traders (51%), mechanics (6%), pupils and students (17%). Furthermore, gold miners are exposed to numerous accentogenic risks sometimes leading to loss of human life (17%). The majority (68%) of accident cases concern injuries. Other risks such as landslides (12%) and asphyxia (3%) were also mentioned by the gold miners interviewed.