Burkina Faso: The National Corporation of Artisans and Small-Scale Miners (CONAPEM), in collaboration with the Support Project for Strengthening Land and Mine Management (PARGFM), recently organized a panel discussion aiming to address the security of artisanal mining sites. The event took place on October 7 and 8, 2024, bringing together key stakeholders in the mining sector to foster a dialogue that could lead to a more secure and sustainable future for artisanal mining.
According to Burkina Information Agency, CONAPEM President Potièrozié Didier Dabiré emphasized the importance of open dialogue among experts and stakeholders to secure the mining sector. The panel, organized with the General Directorate of Mines and Geology (DGMG) and the National Office for the Security of Mining Sites (ONASSIM), focused on the theme “Contribution of stakeholders in the artisanal sub-sector to securing artisanal mining sites and the national territory.” The discussions aimed at creating a secure environment for artisanal
mining across Burkina Faso.
Mr. Dabiré highlighted the current challenges, noting that some artisanal mining sites remain inaccessible due to security concerns. He stated that the panel serves as a platform to assess the status of these sites, both accessible and inaccessible. Minister Yacouba Zabré Gouba, in charge of mines, inaugurated the discussions, urging small-scale mining players to support the state in securing these sites and aligning operations with the government’s vision.
The panel addressed multiple themes, including the impact of the security crisis on artisanal mining, the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, and the mechanisms for securing mining sites. Since its inception in 2002, CONAPEM has been pivotal in various initiatives, such as semi-mechanized processing units and contributions to the mining code reviews in 2014 and 2024, showcasing its ongoing commitment to improving Burkina Faso’s mining sector.