Guinea has banned unregulated artisanal gold mining in the north-eastern Siguiri region, triggering the departure of several thousand foreign workers including many from Burkina Faso, APA News reports.
A 2 November joint communique signed by five ministers, including mines minister Bouna Sylla, cited environmental damage to soil, farmland and the Niger, Djoliba and Tinkisso rivers from dredges, explosives, mercury and cyanide. Security forces are to control sites, roads and entry points and check residency status.
Ouagadougou said it was organising a dignified return via Mali. Separate reporting put more than 8,000 people registered at Kouremale after the crackdown, while Burkina security minister said his government was not warned in advance.
Source: APA News