Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — In a major victory for the country’s efforts to combat illegal gold mining, more than 8,500 sites of illicit extraction have been dismantled in less than six years.
During a meeting of the National Security Council on July 23, 2026, President Alassane Ouattara was briefed on the progress made by the Groupement spécial de lutte contre l’orpaillage illégal (GS-LOI), which was established in 2021.
The latest update covers the period from 2021 to the first half of 2026 and reports a significant decline in illicit gold mining activities across the country. The GS-LOI has successfully dismantled over 8,500 sites, with 4,474 individuals arrested, including 65% who are foreigners.
According to officials, the group has also recovered more than $960 million in stolen gold and confiscated over 136 kilograms of precious metal.
Despite these positive developments, concerns remain about the persistence of illegal mining activities in various regions of the country.
The National Security Council emphasized that this issue remains a serious threat to the environment, national security, natural resources, and the economy of Côte d’Ivoire.
To address this challenge, President Ouattara has instructed the Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, to take all necessary measures to intensify efforts against illicit mining.
Among the key strategies outlined are strengthening the responsibility of administrative authorities, traditional and customary institutions, as well as security forces, particularly through the deployment of Comités départementaux de sécurité (CDS) and Cellules civilo-militaires (CCM).
The President has also called for increased collaboration with foreign diplomats to facilitate the repatriation of individuals involved in illicit mining activities.
Furthermore, the Council emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws against anyone found guilty of involvement in illegal mining.
The National Security Council has pledged to enhance the capabilities of the GS-LOI and security units working together with this group to combat illicit gold mining.
In essence, Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to tackle this issue demonstrate a commitment to protecting its natural resources, preserving the environment, ensuring national security, and fostering economic growth.