The Guinean government has banned random gold prospecting in the northeastern region of Siguiri, a move that has led to the departure of thousands of foreign workers, including Burkinabes. The ban was announced in a joint statement on Monday, citing environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities. The government said the activities have damaged soil, agricultural land, and vegetation, and polluted rivers.
The ban prohibits the use of heavy machinery, explosives, mercury, and cyanide in mining, as well as the extraction and washing of minerals in riverbeds and on riverbanks. The government also banned mining in protected areas, forests, agricultural land, and near populated areas and public facilities. The move is aimed at regulating the artisanal and industrial mining sectors.
The Guinean government has deployed defense and security forces to the region to monitor mining sites, roads, and riverways, and to verify the identities and legal residency of workers. The government also announced that the purchase and sale of gold produced in the region will be limited to authorized offices. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy.
The Burkinabe government has announced measures to organize the return of thousands of its citizens who left mining sites in Guinea. A government delegation will travel to Mali to provide assistance to those affected who are crossing Malian territory on their way back. The Burkinabe authorities have not specified the exact number of citizens affected or details of their return.
The Guinean Minister of Mines and Geology, Bouna Silla, said that Guinea produced 72 tons of gold in 2024, with 70% of it coming from artisanal mining. He indicated that the government is moving towards developing semi-industrial and industrial activities and regulating the sector. The ban on random gold prospecting is part of the government's efforts to organize the mining sector.
The decision to ban random gold prospecting has been welcomed by environmental groups, who have long raised concerns about the impact of unregulated mining on the environment. However, the move has also raised concerns about the impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of thousands of workers who depend on mining.
The Guinean government's move to regulate the mining sector is seen as a step towards sustainable development. The government aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility. The country's mining sector is expected to play a significant role in its economic development, and the government is working to ensure that it is managed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Key points
- Guinea bans random gold prospecting, cites environmental damage
- Thousands of Burkinabes leave Guinea after ban on random gold prospecting
- Guinean government deploys forces to monitor mining sites and regulate sector
