Mali Declares War on Illegal Gold Mining

During a meeting last Wednesday, the transitional government announced efforts to “intensify the fight against illegal gold mining.” In a press statement, the government described the phenomenon as having “serious security, economic, and environmental implications.”

Minister of Mines Amadou Keita, in a press conference yesterday, outlined a series of measures the government will begin implementing to eliminate illegal mines, combat gold smuggling, and prevent its use by organized crime networks.

The government reported dismantling 61 illegal sites recently, confiscating 286 drilling machines and 63 vehicles. Officials warned against the rapid escalation of illegal gold mining, citing the increasing use of heavy machinery, which exacerbates environmental destruction, pollutes water resources, and boosts revenues for terrorist organizations.

Keita confirmed that revenues from illegal gold mining are a significant contributor to the funding of criminal and terrorist networks, posing a real threat to the security and stability of Mali and the region.

He explained that gold smuggled out of Africa generates funds for “drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism and violent extremism.”

Mali, one of Africa’s richest countries in surface gold, has seen terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS rely on gold mines for funding in recent years. These groups control many mines in northern and central Mali, as well as the border areas between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The government views eliminating illegal gold mines as a step toward cutting off funding sources for terrorist groups, potentially weakening their activities. Mali’s plan includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies, with officials estimating that the fight against illegal mining will last several years.