Burkina Faso recorded over 14 billion CFA francs in contributions to the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Fund in 2025, yet only a minority of the operations subject to the requirement actually contributed, according to a report validated in Ouagadougou.
Of the 17 industrial mines subject to the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Fund (FRFM) financing mechanism, 10 contributed; this compares to four out of 11 semi-mechanised mines and three out of 44 industrial quarries, according to the General Directorate of Mines and Geology (DGMG) following a workshop to validate the inter-ministerial report on the Fund.
The total contribution amount increased compared to 2024, when approximately 13.7 billion CFA francs were recorded; the figure stands at over 14 billion CFA francs for 2025.
“We really need to be able to impose sanctions and compel those that have not contributed to comply,” stated Doulaye Sanou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Quarries, who presided over the proceedings.
The FRFM is designed to fund the rehabilitation of areas affected by extractive activities, both during site operations and after closure.
Its operations fall under the framework of the Mining Code adopted in July 2024.
The report examines, among other things, contribution levels, the status of rehabilitation plans, the validation process, and implementation challenges.
Participants also discussed the transfer of funds from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) to the Public Treasury.
Validated subject to the incorporation of agreed-upon amendments, the document recommends securing financial resources, sanctioning non-compliant companies, and improving data management.
The participants also recommend strengthening the capacities of the stakeholders responsible for validating rehabilitation plans.
The DGMG emphasizes that these measures should improve mining governance and contribute to more sustainable extractive development in Burkina Faso.
HO/te/Sf/fss/as/APA