The administrative authorities of Côte d'Ivoire's Dianra department have urged residents of six local villages to immediately cease illegal gold mining activities. This appeal was made during an information and awareness mission conducted from September 23 to 25, 2026, in response to a recommendation from the National Security Council and an instruction from Mining, Oil, and Energy Minister Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly.
The mission targeted the villages of Korotou, Locolo, Ouahiéri, Manandougou, Yérétiélé, and Dalagbè. Prefect of Dianra department, Koffi Amani Ignace de Loyola, led the mission and emphasized the need for collective awareness to combat illegal mining. He cited the example of the Koné gold mine in the Béré region, which demonstrates the benefits of regulated mining.
Prefect Koffi Amani warned that continued illegal gold mining could have severe environmental, health, and economic consequences for the local population. He cautioned that if the situation does not improve, stricter measures will be implemented. Abdoul Karim Awassa, Director of Mines and Geology in the Béré department, highlighted the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, including land degradation, water pollution, and ecosystem destruction.
Awassa encouraged the local population to engage in legal mining activities and form cooperatives where possible. He pointed to the Koné gold mine as a source of pride for the local community, demonstrating the potential benefits of regulated mining. The participants in the mission recommended increased control and enforcement measures to combat illegal mining.
Following the mission, the Director of Mines and Geology announced that he would explore the possibility of establishing a mining corridor, allowing interested individuals to engage in small-scale mining legally. Local health and forestry officials presented information on the negative impacts of illegal gold mining on human and animal health, as well as the environment.
The mission observed a positive response in several visited localities; however, the situation in Korotou was deemed to require more substantial intervention. The authorities emphasized the need for cooperation and collective action to address the issue of illegal gold mining in the region.
The authorities' efforts aim to promote responsible and regulated mining practices, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Côte d'Ivoire's natural resources. The situation will continue to be monitored, and further measures will be taken if necessary to prevent the negative consequences of illegal gold mining.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire authorities urge six villages to stop illegal gold mining due to environmental, health, and economic risks.
- The authorities cite the example of the Koné gold mine as a model for regulated and beneficial mining practices.
- The mission recommends increased control and enforcement measures to combat illegal mining in the region.
