Côte d’Ivoire authorities dismantle illegal gold mining site, arrest 16 in Toumodi
By Zagazola Makama
Ivorian authorities have dismantled an illegal gold mining site at Kahankro in Toumodi, following a targeted operation against illicit mining activities in the area.
The operation was conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, under the “Filet Vert du Nord” (Northern Green Net) initiative by the BSSI, a specialised security unit under Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Water and Forests.
According to the ministry, the operation was based on intelligence gathered on illegal mining activities at the site.
Authorities said the operation uncovered several violations of the country’s mining, forestry and water regulations, including mining without a valid licence, deforestation and pollution caused by the use of chemicals.
A total of 16 people were arrested during the operation. The suspects reportedly included nationals of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.
Security personnel seized several items from the site, including three water pumps, one generator, one motorcycle, four gas cylinders, nine mobile phones and 15,065 CFA francs in cash.
The authorities also destroyed equipment and structures used for the illegal mining activities.
Items destroyed included 21 stone crushers, 18 washing units, 15 concentration carpets, 13 shelters, 10 ventilators, eight shovels, eight water pumps and 27 basins.
The operation forms part of the Ivorian Government’s broader efforts to protect the country’s natural resources, forests and water bodies from the environmental damage associated with illegal gold mining.
Authorities said illegal mining poses significant risks to the environment through deforestation, soil degradation and pollution of water sources.
The BSSI called on local communities to continue cooperating with security and environmental authorities by providing credible information on illegal mining activities.
The agency said sustained cooperation from residents would be critical to strengthening efforts to curb illegal gold mining and protect Côte d’Ivoire’s natural resources.
