Burkina Faso channels $6B in gold into official trade in six months

Burkina Faso has recorded more than $6 billion worth of gold through official channels in the first six months of 2026, as the country's military-led government continues efforts to bring more gold mining under state supervision.The government says the move is part of a wider plan to make the gold industry more transparent, reduce illegal trading and ensure that a larger share of mining revenue stays within the country. The reforms cover both large industrial mines and thousands of small-scale miners who work across the country.The update was shared during the mid-year review of the 2026 performance contract of Energy, Mines and Quarries Minister Yacouba Zabre Gouba, Business Insider Africa reported. According to the government, the ministry had achieved an overall execution rate of 61.7% as of June 30.Gold is Burkina Faso's biggest export and one of its most important sources of income.