Mali's government has suspended artisanal gold mining across the country until September 30, with the ban coming into effect on June 15. The announcement was made by Minister of Mines Amadou Keita.
"The Minister of Mines informs the public that artisanal gold mining activities are suspended throughout Mali from June 15 to September 30, 2025," the statement said.
The official notice did not specify the reason for the ban. However, Reuters reports the restriction is related to weather forecasts. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Mines, heavy rains are expected in Mali between June 15 and the end of September, making artisanal gold mining unsafe during this period.
A similar ban was imposed in 2024, with restrictions on artisanal gold mining starting at the end of June that year.
Artisanal mining is a common source of employment throughout much of West Africa, and in recent years the number of miners has increased due to rising demand for metals and higher prices. However, landslides are a frequent risk at these sites. In late January 2025, several local mine workers lost their lives following a dam collapse in the Koulikoro region.
Angelina Shemyakina
