Guinea reports ten dead in violent clashes over gold mining restrictions

At least ten people were killed and thirteen others injured in northeastern Guinea during clashes between protesters and security forces, according to the government. The violence occurred on Wednesday as defence and security personnel carried out patrols to verify the implementation of a recent ban on artisanal gold mining.

The Ministry of Territorial Administration announced the figures late on Thursday. The incident took place in Balato, located in the Siguiri region. Security forces were conducting a patrol against illegal and unregulated mining activities when protesters erected barricades to block their path.

The situation quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire. The official statement did not specify which side opened fire first. Among the ten deceased were five foreign nationals, though their specific identities have not yet been established. The thirteen injured included both civilians and members of the security forces.

Property damage was also reported during the confrontation. Two pick-up trucks and one security forces truck were burned. Protesters reportedly seized a firearm and a motorcycle from the scene. Judicial authorities have been assigned the task of determining what triggered the violence and establishing responsibility for the events.

Guinea officially banned artisanal gold mining in the Siguiri region on November 2. Officials stated that miners had frequently failed to comply with existing regulations, leading to significant environmental degradation. This includes the pollution of agricultural land, rivers, and vegetation cover.

The ban has already caused a large displacement of people in the region. Neighbouring Mali reported last week that approximately 100,000 people had arrived in its capital, Bamako. Additionally, nearly 60,000 more had settled in the border town of Kouremale after being forced to leave Guinea following the announcement of the mining restrictions.

Burkina Faso also reported a significant influx of returnees. On Friday, the country stated that it had repatriated 45,406 of its own citizens who had been compelled to leave Guinea as a direct result of the ban on artisanal mining.

Artisanal mining remains a widespread activity across West Africa, driven by rising metal prices and growing demand. In Guinea alone, the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that artisanal and small-scale gold mining supports the livelihoods of more than 300,000 people.

Despite the economic importance of the sector, the Guinean government maintains that the restrictions are necessary to curb environmental damage. Authorities highlighted specific issues such as the destruction of farmland by heavy machinery and the chemical pollution of local waterways.

Enforcement efforts have intensified in recent weeks. Authorities stated that more than 1,200 people suspected of illegal gold mining were arrested in the Siguiri region earlier this month. The first mass trials for these suspects were opened this week.