OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso—Government officials and mining experts from West African nations met at the 6th West African Mining Forum in Ouagadougou from September 26 to 28, 2024, to discuss development strategies for critical minerals. The forum, organized by Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Mines, focused on the exploration, exploitation and management of critical minerals used in energy and digital technology, and development minerals used in the artisanal mining sector including sustainable building materials.

Mr. Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso, and Mr. Abdourazakou Abdou Moumouni, Special Advisor to the President of Niger, attended the event. Mr. Anthony Brand represented the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

The forum, which was accompanied by a trade expo, included panel discussions on mining strategies, energy transition, industrialization, regulatory frameworks, and taxation. Mr Anthony Brand presented OACPS’ position on Critical Raw Materials, including the need for local beneficiation and for institutional frameworks and trade policies. Throughout the three-day event, participants addressed national mining policies, regional cooperation, mining databases, local mineral processing, and regulatory frameworks as well as the significant role that youth can play in developing the sector.

Participants visited the Groupe COGEB granite quarry near Ouagadougou on the final day of the forum and included an awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding achievements in the local mining industry.

The SAMAO Forum was proceeded by a training on low-carbon materials for Burkina Faso Artisanal Mining (ASM) Communities as part of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme (Phase 3).

During this training, which was held between September 24 and 25, 2024, artisanal miners, and engineering students, were taught to make stabilized earth bricks, and in the art of Burkina Faso traditional house painting which was recognized by UNESCO earlier this year.