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Ivory Coast has announced plans to eliminate illegal gold mining across the country within six months, introducing stricter surveillance, increased enforcement, and tougher penalties for operators.
The National Security Council announced the decision on Thursday, saying the government would strengthen efforts to tackle the environmental and security threats linked to illegal mining.
According to the council, authorities will increase “the operational capacities of local defence and security forces”, expand the number of enforcement brigades and intensify monitoring of rivers affected by mining operations.
Illegal gold mining has become a growing concern in Ivory Coast due to its impact on ecosystems and communities. The activity has contributed to water and soil contamination, with mercury used in mining processes affecting natural resources.
The government has also linked illegal mining activities to wider security challenges, including the alleged financing of armed groups and insurgent networks operating in parts of West Africa.
Beyond enforcement, authorities say plans are in place to restore damaged mining sites and support economic reintegration programmes for miners who leave illegal operations.
The announcement follows warnings from Ivory Coast’s national drinking water authority and distributor last month over declining water quality in some rivers. Officials attributed the contamination to mercury pollution from illegal mining sites.
Environment Minister Abou Bamba has also taken steps to address the issue regionally. In August, he launched an African coalition to combat illegal mining, a problem affecting several countries across the continent.
The government says the latest measures are part of a broader effort to protect natural resources, improve public safety and create alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on illegal mining.
