Authorities in Côte d'Ivoire's Dianra region recently held a meeting to educate residents on new government measures aimed at curbing illegal gold mining. The third meeting of the departmental committee to monitor the Koné gold project was held at the prefecture on October 6, 2026. The meeting was attended by administrative authorities, local leaders, and residents. The goal of the meeting was to inform residents about the government's efforts to combat illegal gold mining in the region.
The director of the Béré department of Mines and Geology, Abdoul Karim Awassa, addressed the meeting, providing an update on the government's decisions regarding the fight against illegal gold mining. He mentioned that President Alassane Ouattara signed a bill on September 23, 2026, that imposes penalties of up to 20 years in prison on those involved in illegal gold mining activities, including sponsors, receivers, financiers, and owners of sites that facilitate such activities.
Awassa urged residents to respect the law and report any instances of illegal gold mining in the area. He also announced a six-month suspension on granting new permits for gold mining activities. The move aims to give the government time to review and regulate the industry, ensuring that mining activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Prefect of Dianra, Koffi Amani Ignace de Loyola, also addressed the meeting, calling on residents in villages affected by illegal gold mining to take steps to expel the miners. He urged traditional leaders, youth association presidents, and women's association presidents to take responsibility and contribute to the cleanup of villages affected by the practice.
The prefect emphasized the need for collaboration between residents, authorities, and law enforcement agencies to effectively combat illegal gold mining. He encouraged residents to provide useful information to enable authorities to take action on the ground. The government's efforts aim to bring an end to the negative impacts of illegal gold mining on the environment and local communities.
The issue of illegal gold mining has been a concern in Côte d'Ivoire, with many villages affected by the practice. The government's move to crack down on the activity is seen as a step in the right direction. Residents are expected to play a crucial role in reporting instances of illegal gold mining and cooperating with authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.
The government's efforts to combat illegal gold mining are part of a broader strategy to regulate the mining industry and ensure that it contributes to the country's economic development in a sustainable way. The move is also expected to help protect the environment and promote responsible mining practices in Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's government has imposed penalties of up to 20 years in prison on those involved in illegal gold mining activities.
