The prefect of Kouroussa, Guinea, has warned local authorities that they will face sanctions if they are found to be involved in illegal gold mining activities. The warning was issued during a meeting with administrative and community authorities on November 10, 2026. The prefect emphasized that the decision to ban artisanal gold mining is firm and that any responsible local authority found to be violating this decision will be sanctioned. This move aims to enforce the closure of gold mining sites and prevent further environmental and economic damage.
The meeting, which included sub-prefects, mayors, district presidents, and sector chiefs, aimed to strengthen their involvement in enforcing the ban on artisanal gold mining. The prefect had recently returned from a meeting with the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization in Conakry, where new instructions were given regarding the enforcement of the ban in mining prefectures. The prefect cited the example of Siguiri, where several administrative officials were recently dismissed due to their alleged involvement in clandestine mining activities.
The prefect specifically addressed local authorities, including district presidents, sector chiefs, and community leaders, emphasizing their crucial role in monitoring activities at the grassroots level. He expressed regret that some community leaders have been complicit in allowing foreign nationals to engage in irregular activities in gold-rich areas. The prefect stressed that those at the base of these problems are often overlooked, while higher authorities are blamed for the consequences.
The prefect highlighted the negative consequences of illegal gold mining, including economic losses for the country and environmental damage. He urged local authorities to take a firm stance and not allow personal considerations to hinder the enforcement of instructions from higher authorities. The prefect made it clear that sanctions will not only target administrative officials but also community authorities who facilitate or participate in these practices.
To ensure compliance, the prefect announced a field tour within 48 hours to verify the respect of the ban in different localities of the prefecture and to strengthen the surveillance system. He assured local authorities of his support while emphasizing the need for effective collaboration to enforce the ban. The prefect had previously announced the ban on artisanal gold mining in his jurisdiction, which has since been formalized through an administrative act.
The prefect's warning is a follow-up to recent actions taken in Siguiri, where several administrative officials were dismissed due to their alleged involvement in clandestine mining activities. The situation in Siguiri serves as a warning to other mining areas to avoid similar situations. The prefect's firm stance aims to prevent further environmental and economic damage in Kouroussa.
The enforcement of the ban on artisanal gold mining in Kouroussa is part of a broader effort to regulate mining activities in Guinea. The prefect's actions demonstrate the government's commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting the country's natural resources. Local authorities are expected to play a crucial role in enforcing the ban and reporting any irregular activities to the relevant authorities.
Key points
- The prefect of Kouroussa has warned local authorities of sanctions if they are found to be involved in illegal gold mining activities.
- The ban on artisanal gold mining in Kouroussa aims to prevent environmental and economic damage.
- The prefect's actions follow similar measures taken in Siguiri, where several administrative officials were dismissed for their alleged involvement in clandestine mining activities.
