Burkina Faso is set to increase its industrial gold output by 4% in 2025, reaching 55.7 metric tons, driven by the ramp-up of Soleil Resources International Ltd.’s Youga mine and the expected start of production from Australia’s West African Resources Ltd.’s Kiaka mine.

Aristide Belemsobgo, Director General of Mines and Geology, said Soleil Resources restarted the Youga mine in October, while West African Resources is on schedule to begin gold production in the third quarter of 2025.

As Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer, Burkina Faso depends heavily on gold for its economy, despite challenges from rising insecurity and armed violence that have forced mining operations to halt in recent years.

Since the 2022 coup led by Ibrahim Traoré, the government has tightened control over its mining sector by revising the mining code to increase national oversight and participation in foreign-owned mines, aiming to capture a larger share of mining revenues.

These reforms have raised concerns among Western investors, leading to exits like Canadian miner Fortuna Silver Mines, which sold its Yaramoko mine for $130 million in April due to declining reserves and operational risks.

Endeavour Mining also pulled out last year. In a move to reduce Western influence, Burkina Faso is strengthening ties with Russia for security and economic cooperation.

The military government recently granted a mining license to Russian company Nordgold for a new gold project expected to produce 20.22 metric tons over eight years.

The Council of Ministers estimates the project will contribute about 51.5 billion CFA francs ($89 million) to the national budget and 7.06 billion CFA francs to the mineral wealth fund.

This strategy highlights Burkina Faso’s effort to revive its gold sector amid security challenges and shifting geopolitical alliances, reinforcing the mineral’s key role in the nation’s development.