Mali has announced a temporary halt to all artisanal gold mining activities during the country’s rainy season to protect miners from the increased risk of landslides. This suspension will be in effect from June 15 to September 30, according to the Ministry of Mines.
The ministry’s spokesperson explained that the decision follows meteorological forecasts predicting heavy rains throughout this period. “The reason for this suspension is quite simple—safety,” the spokesperson said in a statement, highlighting the government’s priority to safeguard the well-being of those working in vulnerable mining conditions.
Artisanal mining, characterized by small-scale and informal operations often conducted without modern equipment or sufficient safety measures, is a common livelihood across Mali. While vital for many local communities, this type of mining has been linked to frequent accidents due to unsafe digging practices and minimal regulation.
In March, Mali also imposed a ban on issuing new artisanal mining permits to foreigners after several fatal incidents raised concerns about the sector’s safety standards.
Mali is Africa’s second-largest gold producer, and although industrial mining dominates the sector, artisanal mining still accounts for a significant share of output. Last year, the country’s gold production fell by 23%, reaching approximately 57 metric tonnes, with about 6 tonnes originating from artisanal mining activities.
The government’s decision to suspend artisanal mining during the rainy season reflects ongoing efforts to reduce accidents and protect miners amid challenging weather conditions. The suspension, while likely to impact thousands of small-scale miners, aims to prevent further tragedies linked to the hazards posed by seasonal rains and unstable terrain.