Ivory Coast ramps up fight against illegal gold panning

Ivory Coast has deployed additional resources to combat illegal gold mining, including 300 motorcycles, 30 pickup trucks, 12 zodiac boats and drones. These tools are part of the Special Group for Combating Illegal Gold Panning (GS-LOI), established in 2021 to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities.

The initiative aims to boost mobility, enabling authorities to conduct operations both on land and water, round the clock. Strengthening monitoring and mapping of illegal mining sites is a key priority.

National security at stake

The crackdown on illegal gold mining is now framed as a national security imperative, according to Fidèle Sarassoro, Executive Secretary of the National Security Council. This move follows the adoption of a new bill amending the Penal Code to toughen penalties for offenders.

The revised legislation imposes fines ranging from 50 to 100 million West African CFA francs and prison sentences of 2 to 5 years. Penalties can escalate to 20 years for cases involving public officials.

Stricter enforcement, harsher consequences

The government’s decision to revise the Penal Code reflects a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal gold mining. Authorities are now equipped to enforce the law more effectively, using advanced technology to track and dismantle clandestine operations.

This crackdown is part of a broader strategy to protect Ivory Coast’s natural resources, safeguard public health and maintain law and order in mining hotspots across the country.