Burkina Faso’s gold mining sector delivered a landmark performance in 2025, producing a record 94 tonnes of gold, marking one of the strongest annual outputs in the nation’s history and a sharp increase of more than 30 tonnes compared with 2024. The figures were disclosed by Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries Yacouba Zabré Gouba during a performance report presented to Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.
The surge in output reflects significant reforms and increased state oversight across Burkina Faso’s extractive industries. The total production figure includes gold from industrial mines, artisanal miners, and recoveries from illicit supply channels. Approximately 42 tonnes came from artisanal and small-scale mining, underscoring the importance of formalising this once informally tracked segment of the sector. Authorities also reported recovery of about 10 kilograms of gold from illegal trading networks during the year.
Gouba highlighted an 89.66% achievement rate on the ministry’s performance contract, attributing much of the growth to mining sector reforms focused on economic sovereignty and a stronger regulatory framework. These measures included the operationalisation of the state-owned Burkina Faso Mining Participation Company (SOPAMIB) and tighter supervision of the country’s industrial mines.
While industrial output remained significant, the rebound in artisanal contributions echo earlier reporting that formalisation and better state tracking have revealed previously under-reported production volumes. Analysts point out that improved integration of artisanal miners into official channels now enables a clearer picture of national output.
Beyond mining, the government also noted progress in energy access and infrastructure. In 2025, nearly 160,000 households were newly connected to the national electricity grid, and 131 rural localities gained power access, as transmission networks expanded alongside distribution lines. Over 25,000 streetlights were installed in urban and peri-urban areas to enhance public safety and support economic activity.
Looking ahead, Burkina Faso plans to deepen reforms in 2026, including restructuring the Bureau of Mines and Geology and formalising artisanal mining into cooperatives. The government is also setting its sights on at least 10 semi-mechanised mining projects led entirely by local private investors, part of a broader push to enhance energy and mining sovereignty.
This milestone comes amid broader efforts to bolster national control over mineral resources. Under recent changes in its mining code, Burkina Faso has also moved to increase government equity stakes in major mining projects, enhancing the state’s share of long-term benefits from gold production.
