The Société nationale des substances précieuses (SONASP) in Burkina Faso has reported a significant increase in gold collection, rising from 457 kilograms in 2022 to approximately 40 tonnes in 2025. This remarkable growth is attributed to a combination of factors, including an increase in artisanal mining and improved collection mechanisms. The surge in gold collection has contributed substantially to the country's economy.
According to the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Careers, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, the SONASP collected 30,962.17 kilograms of gold in the second half of 2025, with 22,801.26 kilograms coming from artisanal mining. This represents 73.64% of the total volume recorded during the period. The increase in gold collection is a positive indicator for the country's mining sector.
However, it is essential to note that the quantities collected by SONASP do not necessarily translate to an equivalent increase in national production. The growth in collection can also be attributed to a larger portion of artisanal gold being integrated into the state's commercialization circuits. This highlights the need for effective regulation and monitoring of the mining sector.
Between 2022 and 2025, the mining sector contributed approximately 2,500 billion francs CFA to the Burkinabè state. To better control and manage the country's mineral resources, the government has adopted a new mining code in 2024 and established the Société de participation minière du Burkina Faso (SOPAMIB). These measures aim to ensure that the country's natural resources are harnessed sustainably.
The production of gold in Burkina Faso reached 94 tonnes in 2025, according to the ministerial report. This figure represents the country's total gold production and should be distinguished from the quantities collected by SONASP. The growth in gold production is a significant achievement for the country's mining sector.
The government's efforts to regulate the mining sector and improve collection mechanisms have yielded positive results. The increase in gold collection and production has contributed substantially to the country's economy. However, the government must continue to implement effective regulations to ensure that the mining sector operates sustainably and responsibly.
The surge in gold collection and production in Burkina Faso highlights the importance of the mining sector to the country's economy. The government's efforts to regulate the sector and improve collection mechanisms have been successful, but continued vigilance is necessary to ensure that the sector operates sustainably and contributes to the country's long-term economic growth.
Key points
- Burkina Faso's gold collection surged from 457kg to 40 tonnes between 2022 and 2025.
- Artisanal mining accounted for 73.64% of the gold collected by SONASP in the second half of 2025.
- The mining sector contributed approximately 2,500 billion francs CFA to the Burkinabè state between 2022 and 2025.
