Ivory Coast / The Prefect of Bondoukou Mobilizes Artisanal Miners Against Illegal Gold Mining

The prefect of the Gontougo region and prefect of the Bondoukou department, Kouadio Gbongbo André, rallied artisanal miners and stakeholders in the gold sector to combat illegal gold mining on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the prefecture, with the aim of ensuring compliance with the mining moratorium and the Ivorian Mining Code.

The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen the commitment of mining sector professionals to work alongside prefectural officials to help eradicate illegal gold mining, in accordance with the instructions of national authorities.

This initiative follows up on the National Security Council (CNS) memorandum of September 8, which called on prefectures to combat illegal gold mining, as well as the September 21, 2026, moratorium suspending the issuance of new mining permits and requiring oversight of authorized sites to ensure strict compliance with mining regulations.

The prefect emphasized the need for all stakeholders involved in mining activities to mobilize to ensure the effective implementation of government measures and put an end to clandestine practices.

The president of the Gontougo Artisanal Miners’ Association, Eugène Malan, reaffirmed the commitment of professionals in the sector to support the prefectural administration in this mission.

“We are here within the framework of the moratorium decreed by the Head of State to lend our support to the prefectural administration. Our goal is to make this moratorium a success and ensure that legal operators work in accordance with their specifications, while completely eradicating illegal gold panning,” he stated.

Mr. Malan called on artisanal miners and all stakeholders to maintain their commitment alongside the authorities to ensure the effectiveness of this operation. “We encourage everyone to continue this fight. It is a struggle for all of us. All stakeholders and all sectors of society must support this mission,” he emphasized.

The moratorium calls for a halt to the issuance of new mining permits and the monitoring of authorized mining sites. These measures aim to clean up the sector, strengthen compliance with legal provisions, and combat illegal gold mining activities.

Source: www.aip.ci/