The government of Guinea has taken decisive action against unregulated gold mining in the Siguiri region, issuing a joint communiqué on November 2, 2026, signed by five ministries. The statement, read by army spokesperson General Mamadou Aliou Sow, declared a formal ban on all gold panning activities in sensitive areas, including the Niger River and agricultural lands. This move aims to mitigate the severe environmental degradation caused by uncontrolled mining practices.
Recent inspections in the Siguiri region uncovered alarming environmental damage resulting from the unregulated use of heavy equipment and toxic chemicals by artisanal miners. The government's findings highlighted the destruction of soil, agricultural land, and vegetation due to the use of heavy machinery. Additionally, the Niger River, Tinkisso River, and their tributaries have suffered from pollution and siltation, posing a significant threat to the region's ecosystem.
The Guinean government has described the situation as a "grave ecological disaster" and emphasized the need for urgent action. The authorities have identified several issues, including the use of explosives, mercury, cyanide, and other hazardous chemicals. To address these problems, the government has imposed a strict ban on mining activities in riverbeds, agricultural areas, protected zones, and near public infrastructure.
To enforce the ban, the government has announced the deployment of a mixed force comprising defense and security personnel. This force will conduct day and night patrols to prevent the smuggling of heavy equipment, explosives, and chemicals used in illicit mining. The authorities have also warned against any attempts to obstruct or collaborate with illegal miners, vowing to take disciplinary and judicial action against those involved.
The government has assigned the regional defense and security commission, as well as prefectural and sub-prefectural commissions, to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the measures. These bodies are required to submit weekly reports to the national defense and security commission. Furthermore, the authorities have emphasized the need for gold extracted in the region to be sold through authorized channels, with strict controls in place to prevent the circulation of illegally mined gold.
The Guinean government has reassured the public and economic partners that the measures are not intended to halt the country's gold economy but rather to regulate it effectively. The authorities stress that the goal is to protect human lives, preserve the environment, and ensure that mining activities comply with national laws and international development standards.
The government has confirmed that the operations are being conducted in accordance with Guinean laws and regulations, with a commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights. The authorities have also guaranteed the free movement of people and goods, urging all stakeholders to cooperate with the new measures, which are deemed essential for the country's interests.
Key points
- The ban on unregulated gold mining in the Siguiri region aims to address severe environmental damage and protect the region's ecosystem.
- The Guinean government has deployed security forces to enforce the ban and prevent further environmental degradation.
- The measures are part of a broader effort to regulate the country's gold economy and ensure that mining activities comply with national laws and international standards.
