- Approximately 30 of the more than 600 sites have operating permits
- Illegal use of chemicals and explosives
- A low contribution to the budget of the State and local authorities
- Entrepreneurial activities such as catering, trade, management of drinking establishments, etc.
Artisanal gold mining is on the increase in Burkina Faso. Most of the sites are operated without authorisation. This type of mining is characterised by a number of problems, including environmental degradation, fraudulent marketing and accidents. So what is the current state of the mining industry in Burkina Faso?
Characterised by a low level of organisation, artisanal gold mining sites in Burkina Faso are increasingly operating without authorisation. Statistics show that out of more than 600 operations, only 30 are in possession of mining permits, i.e. 5% of the sites with permits. In addition to the mining sites, some fifteen cooperatives have been officially registered. The second characteristic of the mining sector is the lack of training and supervision for those involved in mining, and the lack of knowledge of the regulations among those working in the field. In addition, there is the illegal and inappropriate use of certain chemicals and explosives on mining sites. These statistics were communicated by Viviane Yaméogo of the National Agency for the Supervision of Artisanal and Semi-Mechanised Mining (Agence nationale d’Encadrement des Exploitations minières artisanales et Semi-mécanisées – ANEEMAS) at the second Artisanal Miners’ Day held in Gaoua on 21 and 22 July 2023. “The majority of gold mining sites are nowadays exploited without any authorisation and in an anarchic manner, exposing harmful effects such as environmental degradation, production fraud, accidents, the use of prohibited chemicals, the consumption of narcotics, etc.”, said Viviane Yaméogo.
The sites are also faced with a lack of security and recurring conflicts. They are also places where certain social ills such as prostitution, gender-based violence and child labour are rife, according to ANEEMAS. But artisanal gold mining sites also have positive aspects in that they are also places for entrepreneurship, such as catering, trade, and the management of drinking establishments and other businesses.
Tiba Kassamse OUEDRAOGO
Mines Actu Burkina
