Burkina Faso’s government is sounding the alarm over unpaid contributions from mining and quarry operators, revealing that over CFA31bn ($54.8 million) remains outstanding for 2023 and 2024. These funds are meant for the country’s Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Fund (FRFM), set up to ensure that once mining activities end, sites are properly restored. Officials say the shortfall shows a worrying lack of commitment to environmental responsibility.
The figures paint a grim picture for 2023. Only three industrial mines made payments, contributing a total of CFA7.21bn—just 29.6% of the expected CFA24.39bn. Semi-mechanised mines and industrial quarry operators, a combined 45 entities, didn’t contribute at all. On top of this, only seven companies submitted the required rehabilitation and closure plans, signalling broader lapses in meeting legal environmental obligations.
There was some improvement in 2024. Seven mining firms paid CFA13.73bn into the FRFM, achieving about half (49.55%) of the expected CFA27.70bn. Submission of rehabilitation plans also rose to 17 companies, including 10 industrial operators. While the government welcomed this progress, officials stressed that compliance still falls far short of what’s needed to safely close mining sites.
Burkina Faso’s 2024 mining code clearly mandates annual contributions from all mining and quarry operators. Article 32 specifies that the FRFM should fund mine rehabilitation and closure works, with contributions calculated based on projected restoration costs. Yet, many operators remain behind on payments, raising questions about enforcement and willingness to comply.
The government has promised tougher measures to ensure companies settle their dues, though the exact steps have not been disclosed. It also did not name which operators are in arrears. Burkina Faso hosts several international mining firms, including West African Resources, Endeavour Mining, Iamgold, and Orezone Gold, but it remains unclear if any of these are among the non-compliant.
The urgency to recover these funds is partly driven by environmental concerns. Poorly rehabilitated or abandoned mining sites can threaten local communities through polluted water, degraded soil, and leftover hazardous waste. By strengthening enforcement, Burkina Faso hopes to safeguard its environment while ensuring the FRFM can fulfill its purpose. Still, with more than half of expected contributions missing, the fund faces a long road before it’s fully equipped to tackle the country’s mining legacies.