Large Shipment of Fine Coal Arrives in Ouagadougou for Processing

OUAGADOUGOU — A significant shipment of 447 tonnes of fine coal has been delivered to the Kossodo industrial zone in Ouagadougou for processing, marking a critical step in Burkina Faso’s efforts to manage its natural resources. The arrival of the coal, distributed in 650 bags across 17 trucks from Bobo-Dioulasso to Ouagadougou, was overseen by Yacouba Zabré Gouba, the minister in charge of mines and quarries, along with a minister delegate to the ministry in charge of the economy.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the transportation and subsequent unloading of the coal cargoes come as a direct implementation of recent decisions made by the council of ministers, aiming to enhance the country’s handling and utilization of fine coal. The decision included the transfer of these cargoes from Bobo to Ouagadougou, a move that signifies the government’s commitment to improving industrial processing capabilities within the nation.

The process of verifying and transporting the coal was meticulous, involving a visit to Bobo-Dioulasso by a committee last week to ensure the integrity of the container and seal references against the documentation held. Jonas Hien, a representative of civil society within the technical supervision committee in the Fine Coal affair, highlighted the thoroughness of this verification process, ensuring that all seals remained unviolated before authorizing the transfer to Ouagadougou for processing.

Furthermore, the minister, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, mentioned ongoing negotiations towards signing an agreement with the company Golden Hand, which is expected to facilitate the future processing of this fine coal. Gouba emphasized the importance of these developments for the country, especially considering the challenging circumstances Burkina Faso faces. He assured that the proceeds from the processed coal would contribute to the state budget, reflecting the government’s strategy to leverage natural resources for national benefit.

This initiative is part of a broader effort outlined in a report related to the execution of transactional agreements in the so-called ‘Fine Coal’ file, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. As Burkina Faso continues to navigate through its economic and industrial challenges, the handling and processing of natural resources like fine coal become increasingly significant for the country’s future.