MWE Correspondent
Burkina Faso recorded a historic surge in gold production in 2025, reaching a record 94 tonnes as mining-sector reforms and tighter state controls boosted overall output, according to official figures released by the government.
The total includes production from industrial mines, artisanal operations, and gold recovered through state seizures from illegal supply chains. Authorities said the figure represents an increase of more than 30 tonnes compared with 2024, making it one of the strongest annual performances in the country’s extractive sector history.
The data was presented by Mines Minister Gouba during a 2025 performance review submitted to Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo. The minister reported that his ministry achieved an 89.66 percent success rate under its annual performance contract, crediting the gains largely to reforms focused on strengthening national control and economic sovereignty over mineral resources.
According to Gouba, the mining sector delivered broad-based growth across both formal and informal segments. About 42 tonnes of gold were produced through artisanal mining activities, reflecting increased output following regulatory adjustments and expanded monitoring systems.
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He said a key driver of the improved performance was the operational rollout of the state-owned Burkina Faso Mining Participation Company (SOPAMIB), which has increased government participation in mining ventures. Enhanced oversight across the country’s 15 industrial mines also contributed to higher declared production levels.
Government enforcement campaigns targeting illegal gold trading networks also produced measurable results. Officials reported that approximately 10 kilograms of gold were recovered from illicit channels during coordinated operations aimed at tightening compliance and curbing smuggling.
Beyond mining, the ministry highlighted progress in the energy and infrastructure sectors during the same reporting period. Nearly 160,000 households were newly connected to the national electricity grid in 2025, while 131 rural communities gained first-time access to power.
To support distribution capacity, the government installed more than 165 kilometres of electricity transmission lines and about 500 kilometres of low-voltage lines nationwide. Urban and peri-urban security lighting programs were also expanded, with over 25,000 streetlights installed across cities and surrounding areas.
Looking ahead to 2026, authorities plan to deepen structural reforms in both mining and energy. Priorities include restructuring the national Bureau of Mines and Geology and reorganising artisanal miners into formally registered cooperatives. The government is also targeting at least 10 semi-mechanised mining projects to be fully owned and operated by domestic private investors.
Officials say the next phase of reforms will focus on consolidating national control and long-term sustainability in the extractive and energy sectors.
