Crackdown on illegal gold mining: Government plans to restore degraded sites

From October 15 to 17, 2026, Environment and Ecological Transition Minister Abou Bamba assessed rehabilitation work at sites damaged by illegal gold mining in the Gontougo, Bounkani and Indénié-Djuablin regions. In Tanda, he reviewed a pilot cleanup project for cyanide-contaminated sites supported by Endeavour Mining and IVOS; risks from cyanide, mercury and waste remain even after illegal miners have left. The ministry has launched a national program to restore degraded landscapes. In Bouna, 30 forest commandos from the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves received diplomas, and the minister urged them to prevent illegal mining incursions, especially into Comoé National Park.