Burkina Faso recorded more than US$6 billion worth of gold through official channels during the first six months of 2026, as the government increased efforts to control and formalise the mining sector.
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Read E-PaperThe country produced 26 tonnes of gold from industrial mines between January and June, while the National Precious Substances Company (SONASP) bought about 29 tonnes from small-scale and artisanal miners.
Together, more than 55 tonnes of gold went through official channels during the first half of the year.
The government said the move is helping to reduce gold smuggling, improve tracking of gold production and increase state revenue.
Authorities have also created nine new artisanal mining cooperatives and four mining corridors to better organise small-scale miners.
The government is also tightening controls on the weighing, pouring and packaging of gold while targeting illegal gold trading and smuggling.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso is expanding its electricity capacity to support economic growth. Four new power plants were completed during the first half of the year, adding 126.4 megawatts to the national grid.
The government says reforms in the mining and energy sectors are important for strengthening the country’s economic independence and ensuring that more value from its natural resources remains within Burkina Faso.
