Faced with an increase in fatal accidents in artisanal mines, the authorities in Mali are adopting new measures to regulate the gold mining industry.
The move is seen as strategic for the national economy but faces major security and environmental challenges.
The Malian government adopted several decrees on Wednesday aimed at structuring and securing the artisanal mining sector, following several deadly accidents that occurred in illegal gold mining sites, the Council of Ministers announced.
These texts specify the organisation and operation of funds created by the mining law of August 2023. Among them, a Fund for the rehabilitation and security of artisanal mining sites will finance the closure and rehabilitation of abandoned sites, as well as the fight against the use of prohibited chemicals.
A fund for financing the promotion of the mining sector, funded by contributions from mining
companies, will support the development of capacities in the field.
Other funds will be dedicated to mining infrastructure, transport and geological research.
These reforms come after several tragedies related to illegal gold mining. On February 15, a collapse at the Bilaly Koto site in the Kayes region caused the death of at least 48 people, mainly women,
according to local sources.
The site, formerly operated by a Chinese company, had been abandoned before being taken over by artisanal gold miners.
On January 29, a similar incident occurred in the Kangaba circle, resulting in several deaths. Mali is one of the main gold producers in Africa, with a total production of 72.2 tonnes in 2022, including 6 tons from artisanal gold mining.
That year, gold represented 25 percent of the national budget, 75 percent of export revenues and 10 percent of GDP. However, artisanal mining remains poorly regulated and exposes workers to precarious conditions, with risks of accidents and environmental impacts linked to the use of mercury and cyanide.
In 2024, Malian gold production fell by 23 percent, from 66.5 tonnes in 2023 to 51 tonnes, due to a drop in yields and disputes between the government and mining companies. Faced with these challenges, the authorities are seeking to regulate artisanal gold mining to limit its risks and improve the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA