What You Need to Know
Burkina Faso has experienced a remarkable increase in gold production, reaching 70.43 tons in the first nine months of 2025, a 58% rise from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to the artisanal mining sector, which produced 29.56 tons, while industrial production also saw an increase.
Africa. Burkina Faso has witnessed an unprecedented surge in gold production during the first nine months of 2025, with output rising by 58% compared to the same period last year, reaching 70.43 tons, surpassing the total production of 61 tons in 2024.
Minister of Mines Yakuba Zabri Guya explained that this growth is primarily due to the artisanal mining sector, which recorded production of 29.56 tons by the end of September 2025, compared to only 5.57 tons during the same period in 2024.
This development reflects the success of government efforts to regulate the sector through the National Precious Metals Company (SONASAP), established to purchase artisanal and semi-mechanized gold. The government has opened sales points across the country to control flows that were previously outside official oversight.
Authorities have also contributed to formalizing the operations of local cooperatives and integrating them into official marketing channels, which has helped compensate for the slowdown in industrial production, which reached 40.87 tons by the end of September, compared to 39.24 tons a year earlier.
This comes after three years of declining production due to mine closures resulting from insecurity and the sale of assets by major companies like Fortuna Mining and Endeavour Mining.
Although rising gold prices, which increased by 65%, have stimulated investments, industrial production still dominates the scene. Canadian company Orzone announced an investment of $80 million in December 2025, enabling it to increase production at the Bombore mine by 45%.
However, these gains face political challenges, as the country’s leader, Ibrahim Traore, who came to power through a coup in 2022, continues to push for policies of resource nationalization.
The government has requested to raise its stake in the giant Kiaka mine to 50%, while it currently holds only 15%. The mine is expected to produce more than 7 tons annually over the next two decades.
Future of Foreign Companies
The Australian company West African Resources is exploring options to avoid increasing the state’s stake, as the new mining law, enacted in 2024, grants the government the right to acquire significant shares in projects, raising concerns among foreign investors.
Observers believe these policies may reshape the investment landscape in Burkina Faso’s gold sector, balancing the state’s ambitions to enhance its economic sovereignty against companies’ fears of reduced returns.
In recent years, Burkina Faso’s gold mining sector has faced significant challenges, including security issues that led to the closure of several mines. The government has been working to stabilize the industry by implementing regulations and supporting artisanal mining. This has resulted in a notable recovery in production levels, particularly as the global demand for gold continues to rise.
