Illegal Gold Mining: FECOMCI Advocates for Formalization of Artisanal Miners

The Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Côte d'Ivoire (FECOMCI) advocated on June 16, 2026 in Abidjan for the formalization of artisanal gold miners. The organization believes that regulating sector actors is a sustainable response to economic, social, and environmental challenges linked to illegal mining. FECOMCI President Koné Seydou emphasized that artisanal mining should be seen as an opportunity to organize. The federation proposes creating secure artisanal mining zones and a national support program.