Gold

Ghana's Gold Smuggling Crisis: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Dilemma Ghana, often celebrated as Africa's leading gold exporter, finds itself at a crossroads. Each year, this vibrant nation loses billions of dollars due to rampant gold smuggling, particularly linked to its bustling artisanal mining sector. The unsettling details of this issue have recently been illuminated in a report from the nonprofit organization Swissaid, shining a light on a reality that many might prefer to ignore. Dive…

In a striking case of audacious criminality, two men have been sentenced for their involvement in the theft of a £5 million (€6m) gold toilet from Blenheim Palace in the UK. During a brazen raid in 2019, thieves forcefully entered the premises and made off with the intricately designed 18-carat gold toilet, a piece created by the renowned Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. This unique work of art was prominently featured at an exhibition in Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of former British Prime Minister Winston…

In recent times, the landscape of gold mining in Africa has been evolving rapidly, as nations across the continent actively seek to assert more control over their natural resources. This journey toward resource nationalism is gaining momentum, and Tanzania stands at the forefront of this movement. A significant policy decision has just been made, placing Tanzania alongside other African countries that are reevaluating their relationships with foreign mining companies. With rising global gold prices, this initiative…

Mali's Bold Step into Gold Refining: A New Chapter for the Economy Mali's government has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to establish a state-controlled gold refinery in collaboration with the Russian firm Yadran. This initiative is poised to significantly boost Mali’s gold sector earnings, a critical component of the nation’s economy. As a nation rich in mineral resources, how can it better leverage these assets to shape a prosperous future? Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou revealed that the newly formed…

Burkina Faso has taken a monumental step toward asserting control over its natural resources by officially transferring five gold mining assets to its state-owned mining company. This move marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to enhance its sovereignty and economic position in the global mining industry. This transition was confirmed through a decree published late Wednesday, signaling the completion of a process that began in August 2023. The government’s actions reflect a growing desire to centralize management…

Burkina Faso's Bold Move to Enhance National Profit in Gold Mining In a significant development for its mining landscape, Burkina Faso has officially increased its free-carried equity stake in key gold mining projects from 10% to 15%. This change comes in line with the provisions outlined in the new Mining Code, which was adopted in August 2024. It's a pivotal moment, one that reflects a larger narrative of national sovereignty and economic empowerment. This adjustment affects several prominent mining assets, including…

In recent years, Kenya has steadily positioned itself as a pivotal transit hub for gold trafficking, particularly from African nations grappling with instability and governance challenges. According to a comprehensive report released by SwissAid, a non-governmental organization dedicated to resource justice and development, the intricacies of this illicit trade reveal a pressing need for deeper scrutiny and understanding. A significant portion of Kenya's gold production originates from artisanal and small-scale…

The Future of Gold Production in Burkina Faso: A Professional Insight Burkina Faso is gearing up for a significant boost in its industrial gold production by 2025. This growth is largely fueled by key developments, including the ramp-up of Soleil Resources International Ltd.'s operational projects and the expected commencement of output from a new mine managed by Australia’s West African Resources Ltd. According to Aristide Belemsobgo, the Director General of Mines and Geology at the Ministry of Energy, Mines and…

Unlocking the Potential of Ghana's Gold Industry Ghana stands on the brink of a remarkable opportunity. According to Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, the nation could generate a staggering $12 billion annually from small-scale gold production if it successfully doubles its output as planned. This ambitious goal isn’t just a number; it’s a potential game-changer for the country’s economy, and it underscores the vital role that gold plays in Ghanaian society. The surge in gold exports reflects not…

Gold Fields Expands Its Footprint: A Bold Move to Acquire Gold Road Resources In a significant development within the mining sector, South Africa's Gold Fields, through its subsidiary Gruyere Holdings, has unveiled plans to acquire Gold Road Resources in a deal valued at a staggering A$3.7 billion (approximately US$2.39 billion). The announcement, which emerged on a bustling Monday morning, is more than just a mere transaction; it represents a strategic pivot in the intricate landscape of the gold mining industry,…