“Drawing lessons in a participatory manner on the achievements and shortcomings of the implementation of the OR project, analyzing the context and presenting the programming of activities for 2024.” This was the aim of the technical workshop held on February 22, 2024 in Ouagadougou, which brought together those involved in implementing the GOLD project, NGOs and CSOs in the sector, as well as technical and financial partners. Chaired by the Director General of Mines and Geology, representing the Secretary General of the Ministry of Mines and Quarries, Mr. Aristide BELEMSEBGO, in his opening remarks, stressed the need to combine efforts to formalize the artisanal mining sector.
The presidium at the opening ceremony, from left to right: Selina BEZZOLA, Swiss Cooperation; Aristide BELEMSEBGO, Director of Mines and Geology; Fabrizio De Georgio FERARRI TRECATE, Country Manager Caristas Switzerland
On this occasion, the results of activities on the effects 02 “Local authorities participate in the management of artisanal mining according to their communal charters and improve trust between the various stakeholders in the sector” and and 03 “Actors in the artisanal gold production chain adopt practices that respect the environment, human rights (including the rights of women and children) and occupational health and safety.” This project was presented to the participants. The report raised a number of questions about the continuation of activities. Among the concerns raised were the following:
- formalization of project sites ;
- Challenges related to the implementation of project activities and site closure measures;
- the security situation in the Dassa area;
- the suspension of gold exports by private comptoirs and semi-mechanized companies;
- measures taken by the Société Nationale des Substances Précieuses (SONASP) to ensure the marketing of gold.
To meet these challenges, a number of recommendations were made by the participants at the end of the discussions, including :
- Conduct political dialogue with the authorities to have the closure lifted at project sites;
- Take into account the specific needs of women in the conduct of project activities;
- Maintain communication with all stakeholders, etc.
As a reminder, the overall aim of the OR project is “to establish responsible gold mining at artisanal mining sites in Burkina Faso, and to enable those involved in the artisanal gold production chain to benefit from better services and working conditions, contribute to local development and reduce the negative impacts of the sector”. It is implemented by the consortium Caritas Suisse (project leader), Artisanal Gold Council and Solidar Suisse. It is financed by the SDC for the period May 2023 to April 2027 (phase 1).
