Mali Forges Path to Formalize Artisanal Mining Sector Through National Dialogue
In a significant move toward transforming Mali’s artisanal mining landscape, government officials, industry representatives, and civil society leaders convened in Bamako on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, for crucial policy discussions aimed at integrating informal miners into formal value chains.
Building Bridges in the Gold Sector
The second policy dialogue, chaired by Jidou Ag Alhassane representing the Minister of Mines, brought together a diverse coalition including Mali’s High Council of Local Authorities, the Malian Coalition Publish What You Pay (PCQVP-Mali), artisanal mining organizations, technical services, and media representatives. The gathering represents a critical step in addressing one of Mali’s most persistent economic challenges: how to harness the potential of artisanal mining while mitigating its risks.
The Double-Edged Sword of Artisanal Mining
In his opening address, Jidou Ag Alhassane painted a complex picture of artisanal mining’s role in Mali’s economy. “Artisanal mining has become an unavoidable socio-economic reality,” he stated, noting that the sector supports the livelihoods of over two million Malians, particularly in rural areas where economic alternatives are scarce.
Yet this economic lifeline comes with significant costs. The minister’s representative didn’t shy away from highlighting the darker side of informal mining: environmental degradation, health hazards, security concerns, and limited economic returns for both the state and local communities. This paradox—of artisanal mining simultaneously sustaining millions while posing serious challenges—forms the core of Mali’s mining dilemma.
The Formalization Imperative
For several years, the Malian government has been working toward what Jidou described as “the gradual formalization of the traditional gold mining sector.” The goal? To transform artisanal activity from a survival economy into what he called “a genuine engine for local development” that meets social, environmental, and economic standards.
The recent adoption of Law No. 2023-040 concerning Mali’s Mining Code and its implementing decrees signals the government’s firm commitment to this transformation. But legislation alone cannot solve the problem. The real challenge lies in implementation—in creating pathways that bring informal miners into the legal framework without disrupting their livelihoods.
Creating Value Through Formal Channels
Abdoul Wahab Diakit, President of PCQVP-Mali, emphasized the growing international demand for responsibly sourced minerals. “The formalization of artisanal miners has become a strategic priority,” he noted, explaining that proper integration would not only improve miners’ working conditions but also strengthen sector governance and attract sustainable investment.
The “Greater Value for Gold” project, implemented in the rural commune of Gouandiaka since March 2023 with support from the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), represents a practical attempt to demonstrate how formalization can work on the ground. This consortium effort brings together PCQVP-Mali, the Sahel Development Foundation, and the International Institute for Environment and Development in creating what Diakit called “an inclusive framework for dialogue.”
Charting the Way Forward
The workshop set three concrete objectives: identifying legal, economic, and social barriers to formal integration; proposing mechanisms for registration, certification, and market access; and fostering ongoing dialogue among government, private sector, and community stakeholders.
Jidou Ag Alhassane framed the dialogue as “an opportunity to deepen reflections, share successful experiences, and above all, design the best way to support this formalization.” He reaffirmed the Ministry of Mines’ readiness to collaborate with PCQVP-Mali and its partners to promote best practices and transform artisanal mining into a true lever for economic development.
As Mali moves forward with its mining sector reforms, the success of these efforts will depend on creating systems that recognize the reality of artisanal mining while building bridges to formal markets—a delicate balancing act that could determine the future of millions of Malians who depend on the gold beneath their feet.
Source: Le Républicain | Reporting by Hadama B. Fofana