Ivory Coast: Six-Month Suspension of Artisanal Mining Permits

Ivory Coast has suspended the issuance of new permits for artisanal and semi-industrial mining for six months. The decision was made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Abidjan by the National Security Council, convened under the presidency of Alassane Ouattara, as part of a crackdown on illegal gold mining.

The plan also includes the establishment of 21 river security units tasked with continuously monitoring the country’s four major rivers and their tributaries. The number of operational brigades within the Special Group for the Fight Against Illegal Gold Mining will also be increased, while the capabilities of local forces will be strengthened.

The National Security Council announced a tightening of the criminal aspect as well. A law is set to be adopted to increase penalties for offenses related to illegal gold mining. Indirect participation, as well as logistical or financial complicity, will be treated as independent offenses.

These measures extend decisions made on July 23 and the conclusions of a national workshop held on September 4 and 5 in Yamoussoukro. Regional prefects committed to sustainably combat illegal gold mining in their jurisdictions over a six-month period, with increased reliance on territorial intelligence and coordination of forces.

The environmental component includes the restoration of degraded sites, particularly through labor-intensive work and the involvement of military engineering. The plan also encompasses economic reintegration measures for Ivorian gold miners who are expected to leave clandestine activities.

The National Security Council has asked the Prime Minister to propose measures for the professionalization of the gold sector, including training, youth retraining, organization of buying counters, mapping of mining assets, and the establishment of refineries.