Côte d'Ivoire's authorities have stepped up their fight against illegal gold mining, with the prefect of Taabo, André Martin Kakou, calling on local populations to collaborate responsibly in the efforts. The prefect made the appeal during a sensitization meeting on September 23, 2026, where he discussed measures to combat the menace. Kakou emphasized the need for cooperation to preserve the country's land, water resources, public health, and security. The meeting was attended by local stakeholders, including fishermen and riverine communities.
The prefect highlighted the devastating impact of illegal gold mining on the environment and the economy, including land degradation, destruction of vegetation, and water pollution. These activities, he noted, disrupt agricultural and fishing activities, affecting the livelihoods of local communities. Kakou also warned of the security risks associated with illegal mining, including the potential for conflicts between communities. He assured that the government is committed to eradicating the practice within the next six months.
According to Kakou, the government has taken concrete steps to address the issue, including the introduction of a six-month moratorium on gold mining. The moratorium, which was announced in a ministerial decree on September 21, 2026, suspends administrative procedures for authorizing artisanal or semi-industrial gold mining. However, the decree does not affect the renewal of permits for licensed sites that are already operational and compliant with their operating permits.
Bédel Siogbo, the regional director of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, presented the key provisions of the ministerial decree. He explained that the moratorium aims to curb the proliferation of unauthorized mining activities, which have been causing environmental and social harm. Siogbo emphasized that the government is determined to enforce the regulations and ensure that mining activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The authorities have identified the fleuve Bandama as one of the areas where illegal gold mining activities are prevalent. Kakou urged local fishermen and riverine communities to collaborate with the authorities to prevent these activities. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate any further degradation of the environment or compromise of public safety.
The fight against illegal gold mining is a top priority for the Ivoirian government, which is seeking to balance economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility. The authorities have warned that they will take firm action against anyone found engaging in unauthorized mining activities. The six-month moratorium is seen as a critical step towards restoring order in the sector and promoting sustainable mining practices.
The government's efforts to combat illegal gold mining have been welcomed by local communities, who are eager to see the sector contribute to the country's economic growth in a responsible and sustainable way. The authorities have pledged to continue engaging with stakeholders and enforcing regulations to ensure that mining activities are carried out in a manner that benefits both the economy and the environment.
Key points
- The Ivoirian government has introduced a six-month moratorium on gold mining to curb unauthorized activities.
- The authorities have warned of firm action against anyone engaging in illegal gold mining.
- The government aims to eradicate illegal gold mining within the next six months.
