Burkina-Faso: The government suspends artisanal gold exports

In Burkina Faso, authorities have recently prohibited the export of gold and precious substances from artisanal and semi-mechanized production. This decision, made public on Wednesday by the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries, aims to “better organize” and sanitize the sector.

Burkina Faso intends to undergo significant reforms in the mining sector, particularly in gold.

In its commitment to maximizing the benefits generated by resources and significantly contributing to the national economy, the transitional government under the leadership of President Ibrahim Traoré seeks to enhance transparency and restructure the way these essential resources are marketed.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Minister Yacouba Zabré Gouba announced the suspension of exports of artisanal gold, without specifying the duration of this suspension.

This measure has been in effect since Tuesday, the date of the statement’s signing.

«This suspension is in response to the need for the sector’s (mining) sanitation and reflects the government’s desire to better organize the marketing of gold and other precious substances», explained the Minister in charge of mines and quarries, urging «mining actors with quantities to export to contact the National Company for Precious Substances (Sonasp)» to conduct their transactions and receive payment.

The government aims to centralize marketing operations and ensure better traceability of gold and other precious substances.

Minister Zabré Gouba invited all sector actors to comply with this new provision and emphasized the importance of collaboration and civic responsibility.

It is crucial to note that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable mining in Burkina Faso.

This decision will maximize the revenues from gold production for the benefit of the population, as gold has become Burkina’s «primary export product», according to President Traoré.

The country has 17 industrial gold mines, five of which have been forced to close due to insecurity linked to violent acts by terrorist groups.

Olivier TOE