Burkina Faso’s mining sector performed admirably in 2025, with national gold production reaching a record 94 tons, according to official numbers released by Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries Yacouba Zabré Gouba.
The output, which comprises industrial production, artisanal mining, and state seizures, grew by more than 30 tons compared to 2024, making it one of the best annual performances in the country’s extraction history.
Minister Gouba revealed the findings when delivering his ministry’s 2025 performance report to Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.
He claimed an 89.66 percent accomplishment rate under the ministry’s performance contract, attributing the benefits mostly to mining-sector reforms based on economic autonomy.
“The mining sector performed very well in 2025,” Gouba said, noting that about 42 tonnes of gold came from artisanal mining activities.
He ascribed the increase to the establishment of the state-owned Burkina Faso Mining Participation Company, SOPAMIB, as well as improved management of the country’s 15 industrial mines.
Government attempts to combat illegal gold trading have also had dividends, with officials collecting approximately 10 kg of gold from unlawful supply lines this year.
Beyond mining, the ministry reported significant improvements in energy access and urban infrastructure. In 2025, about 160,000 households were added to the national energy system, and 131 remote communities acquired power.
The government also installed more than 165 kilometers of transmission lines and around 500 kilometers of low-voltage lines to improve electricity distribution across the country.
Another focus was on urban and peri-urban security, with over 25,000 lighting erected in cities and surrounding towns.
Looking ahead, the Burkinabè government intends to intensify reforms in 2026, overhauling the Bureau of Mines and Geology of Burkina Faso and reorganizing artisanal mining into formal cooperatives.
Authorities also intend to pursue at least ten semi-mechanised mining projects, all of which will be driven solely by local private investors.
“In 2026, we will work to firmly entrench energy and mining sovereignty,” Gouba said.