ZANDKOOM, Burkina Faso — A new cooperative focused on artisanal gold mining, the Relwendé Cooperative, was formed in the village of Zandkoom in the commune of Sabcé on September 19, 2024. The cooperative aims to enhance artisanal gold production and protect the health of local populations, who have previously used hazardous substances in mining activities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, which facilitated the cooperative’s formation, the initiative arose due to concerns about the methods employed by local artisanal miners. Kady Sawadogo, a representative of AFEMIB, explained that the group had already been organized as an association but needed support to formalize its structure and adopt safer, more efficient mining techniques.

AFEMIB provided training for the cooperative’s 36 members—32 women and 4 men—in August 2024, and a list of necessary mining equipment was finalized during the training. The next phase involves equipping the cooperative to help boost production while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.

Kaligueta Ouédraogo, president of the cooperative, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the cooperative will now be able to better oversee mining activities in the area. This effort is part of the broader Support Project for Strengthening Land and Mines Management (PARGFM), which seeks to promote economic opportunities for women and young people.