Burkina Faso: Zero tolerance for children at gold mining sites; the government threatens to close the sites

The Burkinabe government is taking a tougher stance against the presence of children at gold mining sites. From now on, any artisanal mining site where a child is found will be immediately closed. Those responsible for their presence will also be sought out and prosecuted, warned the Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
This warning was issued in Ouagadougou, during a meeting with professional organizations in the artisanal mining sector, in the presence of the Minister in charge of Communication, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo.

This firm stance comes after the return of several Burkinabe gold miners, including children, who had been expelled from Guinea. Images of their presence at mining sites had sparked strong reactions in Burkina Faso.
The Minister of Mines stated that no child should sacrifice their education and future for the sake of gold mining. He emphasized the need to identify those responsible for exposing children to these activities and bring them to justice.

The authorities also advocate a diversification of economic activities, particularly towards agriculture, in order to reduce the dependence of populations on artisanal gold mining.

Through this offensive, the authorities want to make the protection of children and the regulation of artisanal gold mining essential requirements of the Burkinabe mining sector.

Djamila Kambou