The Malian government has tightened regulations on gold mining due to an increase in fatal accidents at artisanal sites. New measures include established funds for site rehabilitation and safety improvements, following deadly incidents that highlighted risks in this largely unregulated sector. As gold remains vital to the economy, authorities aim to enhance oversight and reduce hazards in the industry.
The government of Mali has enacted stricter regulations concerning gold mining in light of a rise in accidents within artisanal mining operations. Announced on Wednesday, these measures aim to enhance the regulation of the sector while addressing pressing security and environmental issues. Among the new measures, the government has implemented several funds as part of the mining law introduced in August 2023, including one dedicated to rehabilitating abandoned mining sites and improving safety protocols by limiting banned chemicals.
Additionally, a fund financed by contributions from mining companies is designated for supporting industry development and building capacity, while others will focus on infrastructure improvements for mining, transport, and geological research. This regulatory push comes on the heels of tragic incidents pertaining to illegal mining activities, notably a mine collapse on February 15 at the Bilaly Koto site in the Kayes region that resulted in at least 48 fatalities, predominantly affecting women.
A similar catastrophic event occurred on January 29 in Kangaba, producing numerous casualties as well. Mali is recognized as one of Africa’s foremost gold producers, having extracted 72.2 tonnes in 2022, with approximately 6 tonnes sourced from artisanal mining. The gold mining sector is essential to the Malian economy, contributing 25% to the national budget, 75% of export revenues, and 10% of the country’s GDP.
While the artisanal sector remains largely unregulated, it poses significant risks, including hazardous working conditions and environmental degradation due to mercury and cyanide usage. Furthermore, gold production in Mali is projected to have decreased by 23% in 2024, falling from 66.5 tonnes in the previous year to 51 tonnes, driven by lower yields and conflicts between the government and mining companies. In response to these challenges, authorities are intensifying oversight to mitigate risks and enhance the industry’s economic contributions.
In summary, the Malian government has responded to recent tragedies in artisanal mining with stringent regulations aimed at improving safety standards and environmental conditions. The introduction of multiple funds under the mining law illustrates a commitment to industry development and rehabilitation of mining sites. These measures, alongside increased oversight, seek to mitigate risks while bolstering the significant economic role that gold production plays in Mali.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
