Gold wealth and extraction methods: the contribution of local populations to the gold industry in Burkina Faso

• Authors: Mathieu Nama , Songanaba Rouamba , Joseph Yaméogo
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Burkina Faso, a West African country, is located between two climatic zones, the Sahelian zone and the Sudanese zone. The southern part of the country (Sudano-Guinean zone) receives the most rainfall (1,100 mm) annually, the center (Sudano-Sahelian zone) receives 800 mm/year, and the Sahel region receives 500 mm of water per year. Gold mining in Burkina Faso is characterized by industrial, artisanal, and semi-mechanized exploitation. Mining and artisanal sites are spread throughout the country. Industrial mining is mainly dominated by foreign companies, while artisanal mining is carried out by nationals. In this article, we highlight the country's gold potential, as well as the means, methods, and techniques used in mining and the living conditions of gold miners. However, recurring conflicts between industrial and artisanal mining operations and the insecurity affecting the country are having a significant impact on Burkina Faso's mining sector.

Keywords

EN

Burkina Faso; Gold manner; Gold mining; Gold potential; Mine

Discipline

• GEOLOGY: GEOLOGY

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: The Institute of Biopaleogeography named under Charles R. Darwin
• Year: 2026
• Volume: 32
• Pages: 1-76

Contributors

author

Mathieu Nama

• Department of Geography, Norbert ZONGO University, Koudougou, Burkina Faso

author

Songanaba Rouamba

• Department of Geography, Norbert ZONGO University, Koudougou, Burkina Faso

author

Joseph Yaméogo

• Department of Human Sciences and Society, Ziniaré University Center/Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

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• Document Type: article