Success Against Illegal Gold Mining in Agnéby-Tiassa: Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly Highlights Community-Based Solutions

For the Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, the fight against illegal gold mining in Côte d’Ivoire begins with the involvement of local communities.

He visited Agboville, the regional capital of Agnéby-Tiassa, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, as part of his national outreach campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal gold mining. This follows earlier stops in the Savanes Districts (Kong, Boundiali, Korhogo), Lacs (Daoukro, Toumodi, Dimbokro), and Moronou region (Bongouanou).

“The solution must first be local. It must come from the communities. Illegal miners often operate with the complicity of local populations. Communities must be at the center of the solution. Do your part, and the government will support you,” emphasized the minister.

He explained that a study by his ministry revealed that out of 100 illegal mining sites, only one was set up without the knowledge of local communities. The remaining 99 operated with local approval, while any site established without consent is quickly reported and dismantled.

Addressing prefectural officials, traditional leaders, political and religious authorities, youth, women’s associations, and other local representatives, the minister stressed that President Alassane Ouattara has prioritized combating illegal gold mining due to its implications for national security and safety. “Illegal gold mining is authorized under regulated conditions in our country, but unregulated activity without authorization causes severe human, health, environmental, and security damages,” he noted.

Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly urged young people to organize into cooperatives to obtain semi-industrial or artisanal mining permits legally.

He also encouraged local authorities in Agnéby-Tiassa to continue awareness campaigns across all departments, towns, and villages, with village chiefs ensuring ongoing follow-up.

Community representatives, including Brié Joseph N’gatta, MP and Mayor of Sikensi, Nanan Joseph N’Dori, traditional leaders’ spokesperson, Martine N’Gbadji, women’s representative, and Charlemagne Loba, youth spokesperson, pledged their commitment to eradicating illegal gold mining.

According to the Ministry of Mines, villages currently receive only 7% of the value of illegally extracted gold, while 80% disappears into transnational mafia networks.