Ivory Coast authorities clear illegal gold mining sites in Bouaflé

Authorities in the Bouaflé department of Côte d'Ivoire cleared several illegal gold mining sites in less than two months.

A delegation led by Gonbagui Gueu Georges, the prefect of the Marahoué region, confirmed that illegal mining activities stopped at sites in Lagrikro and Pangbankouamékro. The operation involved a combination of public awareness campaigns and law enforcement actions. The crackdown at Lagrikro removed a major hub where nearly 3,000 people lived or worked directly or indirectly.

The site had developed a parallel economy including shops, bars, clandestine health structures, and an intercity transport station. The prefect stated that all activities at the site have ceased and that more than 1,000 dredges were previously used on the local bodies of water. Security forces, including mobile gendarmerie units from Zuénoula and the Bouaflé gendarmerie company, worked alongside traditional leaders and local residents.

These community groups, including village chiefs and youth presidents, now monitor the sites to prevent new installations. Officials destroyed dredges and crushing machines while tracking gold buyers to dismantle illegal trade networks. The prefect plans to coordinate with the Comité national de sécurité to evaluate the results of this mission. This assessment will help define further steps as part of a national goal to end illegal gold mining within six months.