Burkina Faso has taken a significant step towards economic independence with the inauguration of its first gold refinery, RAFFINOR-BF, in Ouagadougou. The refinery was opened by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country's transitional president, on September 28, 2026. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in the country's efforts to add value to its gold production and move away from exporting raw materials.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery is a major investment, costing over 11 billion CFA francs to build. The project was financed by the Burkinabé state through the Société nationale des substances précieuses (SONASP), in partnership with the national private sector. The refinery is equipped with automated technology and meets international industrial standards. This marks a significant shift from the traditional extractive model, where raw materials are exported without being processed locally.
The refinery's initial capacity is 164 tonnes of gold per year, but the authorities plan to increase this to 515 tonnes annually. President Traoré emphasized the importance of developing technical skills to master the entire value chain. He encouraged the Burkinabé youth to acquire the necessary skills to manage the refinery and other similar projects. This is part of the country's efforts to take control of its natural resources and create more value locally.
The minister of energy, mines, and quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, described the inauguration as an act of sovereignty. He stated that the refinery marks a new era where the country takes control of its own resources and creates value added for its people. The minister emphasized that the country's gold will no longer be used to create wealth for others while its people remain in need.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery is not only a national project but also a regional one. The Burkinabé authorities aim to make it a reference point for gold refining in West Africa. The refinery will process gold from both industrial and artisanal mining, allowing the country to maximize the value of its gold production. This project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and contribute to its economic growth.
The inauguration of RAFFINOR-BF marks a significant milestone in Burkina Faso's efforts to develop its mining sector and create more value from its natural resources. The project demonstrates the country's commitment to taking control of its economic destiny and creating a more sustainable future. The refinery is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, both locally and nationally.
The Burkinabé government has high hopes for the RAFFINOR-BF refinery, seeing it as a key component of its economic development strategy. The project is part of a broader effort to diversify the country's economy and reduce its dependence on raw material exports. With the refinery, Burkina Faso aims to become a major player in the regional gold market and create a more prosperous future for its people.
Key points
- The RAFFINOR-BF refinery has an initial capacity of 164 tonnes of gold per year, with plans to increase this to 515 tonnes annually.
- The project was financed by the Burkinabé state through the Société nationale des substances précieuses (SONASP), in partnership with the national private sector, at a cost of over 11 billion CFA francs.
- The refinery is expected to play a crucial role in Burkina Faso's efforts to add value to its gold production and move away from exporting raw materials.
