On September 28, 2026, Burkina Faso marked a significant milestone in its economic development with the inauguration of its first gold refinery, RAFFINOR-BF, in Ouagadougou. The President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, presided over the ceremony, highlighting the country's commitment to transforming its mineral resources locally. The refinery is a result of an investment of over 11 billion FCFA, mobilized by the State through the Société nationale des substances précieuses (SONASP), in partnership with the national private sector.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery aims to strengthen Burkina Faso's control over the gold value chain, allowing the country to refine its metals locally. President Traoré emphasized the government's ambition to move beyond mere extraction and export of raw materials, stating that the country wants to refine all its metals on site. The refinery has an initial capacity to refine 164 tonnes of gold per year, with plans to increase production to 515 tonnes. The facility is equipped with automated technologies meeting industrial standards.
The Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, highlighted that the refinery's launch demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening the country's economic sovereignty. By refining gold locally, Burkina Faso aims to increase the value added generated by its gold exploitation and become a major player in gold refining in West Africa. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and mining sector.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery is a strategic project for Burkina Faso, as it seeks to maximize the benefits of its mining resources. The country's mining sector is a significant contributor to its economy, and the refinery is expected to play a crucial role in the sector's development. The project also aligns with the government's policy of promoting local content and value addition in the mining sector.
The inauguration of the RAFFINOR-BF refinery marks a new era for Burkina Faso's mining sector, which is expected to drive economic growth and development. The country's authorities have reiterated their commitment to supporting the growth of the sector, which is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. The refinery is also expected to contribute to the country's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on a single sector.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery is a significant achievement for Burkina Faso, demonstrating the country's ability to develop its mining sector and increase its economic sovereignty. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and mining sector, and it is seen as a model for other countries in the region. The refinery's success will depend on various factors, including the availability of raw materials and the global demand for gold.
The launch of the RAFFINOR-BF refinery is a major milestone for Burkina Faso, marking a significant step towards achieving its economic development goals. The country's authorities have expressed their commitment to supporting the growth of the mining sector, which is expected to drive economic growth and development. The refinery is expected to play a crucial role in the sector's development, and its success will depend on various factors, including the availability of raw materials and the global demand for gold.
Key points
- The RAFFINOR-BF refinery has an initial capacity to refine 164 tonnes of gold per year, with plans to increase production to 515 tonnes.
- The project is a result of an investment of over 11 billion FCFA, mobilized by the State through the Société nationale des substances précieuses (SONASP), in partnership with the national private sector.
- The refinery's launch demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening the country's economic sovereignty and increasing the value added generated by its gold exploitation.
