Facing significant losses from illicit gold trade, Côte d'Ivoire has partnered with the World Bank and the World Gold Council to formalize its small-scale mining sector. This collaboration aims to improve safety and transparency in an industry supporting half a million livelihoods but plagued by poor regulation and environmental harm.
The Multistakeholder Partnership for Sustainable and Responsible Small-Scale Mining (MSPI) involves key players like Endeavor Mining, Perseus Mining, and the Chamber of Mines of Côte d’Ivoire. It seeks to shift artisanal gold production into a regulated market.
“Côte d’Ivoire is leading the way in transforming artisanal and small-scale mining into a more professional, regulated sector," said Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire. He emphasized that the partnership was a "crucial step" in making small-scale mining "safer, more transparent, and a driver of development."
In 2022 alone, about 40 tons of gold left the country illegally due to regional instability. The new partnership aims to ensure legally traded gold traceable through the supply chain while improving mine sites and market access.
Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira from the World Bank highlighted that artisanal mining holds potential for economic growth if made safe and sustainable. The World Bank will support international best practices for gold production.
Terry Heymann from the World Gold Council described the agreement as “a groundbreaking approach” to responsible mining. The initiative could serve as a model for other West African countries.
Barrick Mining Corporation supports this initiative but is not participating due to ongoing negotiations for selling their Tongon mine.