• Mali approved the creation of a Special Mines Brigadeto intensify the fight against illegal gold mining.

• Undeclared artisanal gold production may reach 30–57 tonnes annually, far above the official estimate of 6 tonnes.

• Between 2012 and 2022, Mali likely produced over 300 tonnes of undeclared ASM gold worth $13.5 billion.

During the Council of Ministers meeting on March 11, the Malian government adopted draft regulations establishing a Special Mines Brigaderesponsible for strengthening enforcement against illegal gold mining. Authorities expect the unit to address a phenomenon that has historically diverted part of the country’s gold output and associated revenues.

The government explained that it created the brigade in response to the persistence and increasing organization of illegal mining activities despite enforcement campaigns conducted since 2020. These activities create major economic, environmental, and security challenges, particularly because operators frequently use banned chemical products and operate in areas vulnerable to instability.

Under the new framework, the brigade will serve as the “judicial police of the mining sector and participate in implementing measures to protect and secure artisanal mining and quarry sites.”However, authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the unit’s operational structure, organization, or budget.

A New Bet to Reduce Longstanding Losses

While Bamako has not yet clarified the operational details of the new brigade, the stakes of the initiative remain significant. Mali aims to curb the expansion of illegal mining activities that cause major losses to national gold production.

Official estimates place Mali’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) output at around 6 tonnes of gold per year. However, the NGO SWISSAID estimates that actual production ranges between 30 and 57 tonnes annually.

Between 2012 and 2022, Mali likely produced more than 300 tonnes of undeclared ASM gold, worth about $13.5 billion. These revenues largely escaped the public treasury, depriving an economy heavily dependent on gold exports of a substantial share of mining income.

The phenomenon affects several West African countries, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Ghana, which intensified its own crackdown in 2025.

Like Mali, Ghana established a task forceresponsible for enforcing reforms introduced by GoldBod, the country’s regulator for the artisanal mining sector. The initiative coincided with notable progress, as Ghana’s artisanal gold production increased by 60% during the last fiscal year.

The impact of Mali’s Special Mines Brigade remains to be seen. However, the initiative comes at a critical moment as global gold prices remain strong. Authorities have launched several reforms in recent years to maximize mining revenues.

Beyond enforcement, additional strategies could complement repression efforts. Ghana’s experience highlights the role of awareness campaigns and the formalization of illegal miners in improving sector governance.

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum