List of major Burkina Faso Gold Reserves 2025

Burkina Faso Gold Reserves: Discover Burkina Faso gold reserves, major mines, production levels, and future potential. Learn export trends and how buyers source certified gold from trusted African dealers.

Burkina Faso, a resilient landlocked nation in West Africa bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, is home to over 23 million people and a burgeoning economy driven by its vast mineral wealth. At the forefront of this wealth is gold, which plays a pivotal role in Burkina Faso’s economy.

In 2024, the sector contributed approximately 17% to GDP, generated over 75% of export revenues, and supported roughly 25,000 direct jobs in industrial operations alone, while employing up to 1 million in the informal artisanal sector.

This golden lifeline has transformed rural landscapes into economic hubs, funding infrastructure, education, and security initiatives amid regional challenges. As one of Africa’s top gold producers—ranking fourth with an output of 60 tonnes in 2024—Burkina Faso’s reserves, estimated at over 600 tonnes proven and probable with total resources exceeding 1,000 tonnes, position it as a strategic player in the global precious metals market.

Amid soaring gold prices above $2,800 per ounce in late 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions and inflation hedges, the nation’s deposits in the ancient Birimian Greenstone Belt continue to draw international attention.

The rise of Burkina Faso as a gold powerhouse traces back to the early 2000s, when foreign investment from Canada, Australia, and South Africa unlocked industrial-scale potential.

From humble artisanal beginnings along riverbanks to sophisticated open-pit operations, gold has evolved into a symbol of national sovereignty, especially under the current transitional government’s resource nationalism policies.

Yet, this ascent is not without hurdles: security threats in the Sahel have led to mine suspensions, while nationalizations aim to retain more value domestically.

Despite these, rising interest from investors and international buyers persists, fueled by ethical sourcing demands and diversification from traditional suppliers like Russia and South Africa. Projections indicate a 4% production uptick to 55.7 tonnes from industrial sources in 2025, bolstered by restarts and new launches.

For those navigating West Africa gold, opportunities abound in exploration and offtake agreements, but success hinges on partnerships attuned to local dynamics.

Many gold investors looking for African gold also turn to reliable exporters like us, ensuring compliant, traceable supply chains.

Current Gold Reserves in Burkina Faso: Key Statistics

Burkina Faso’s gold reserves underscore its status as a mineral frontier, with proven and probable reserves surpassing 600 tonnes and total measured and indicated resources exceeding 1,000 tonnes, per 2025 updates from operators like West African Resources and IAMGOLD.

These estimates, compliant with JORC standards, draw from technical reports on 17 industrial mines and hundreds of artisanal sites, reflecting ongoing drilling that has added 200,000 ounces in 2025 alone at projects like Sanbrado.

Government assessments via the Directorate of Geology and Mines corroborate this, emphasizing the Birimian belts’ untapped extensions.

Annual production tells a story of resilience amid adversity. In 2024, total output reached 60 tonnes, up from 57.3 tonnes in 2023, with industrial sources at 53.3 tonnes and artisanal adding 6.7 tonnes. For 2025, forecasts point to 55.7 tonnes from large-scale operations—a 4% rise—driven by Youga’s restart and Kiaka’s first pour, despite a 28.7% H1 dip at Essakane due to grade transitions.

Gold’s economic imprint is profound: it fueled 529 billion CFA francs ($880 million) in 2023 revenues, 20% of government income, and a projected 5% GDP growth in 2025.

Africa’s top 5 ranking—behind South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Sudan—positions Burkina Faso as a volume leader, with potential to challenge Ghana’s 140 tonnes via expansions.

The Birimian Greenstone Belt, a 2.2-billion-year-old arc of volcano-sedimentary rocks spanning 22% of the country, hosts 90% of deposits. Its shear zones and quartz veins yield grades up to 10 g/t, far above global averages, thanks to Paleoproterozoic tectonics that concentrated hydrothermal fluids.

These metrics—Burkina Faso gold deposits, gold reserve estimates, gold output Burkina Faso—signal robust viability. Yet, accuracy depends on geophysical surveys; undiscovered resources could swell totals by 500 tonnes, per DGMG models. With prices at record highs, the sector’s multiplier effect—jobs, taxes, infrastructure—promises sustained prosperity.

Major Gold-Bearing Regions & Geological Overview

Burkina Faso’s gold bounty stems from its Paleoproterozoic geology, dominated by the Birimian Greenstone Belt—a 2.2-billion-year-old supracrustal sequence of mafic to felsic volcanics, sediments, and intrusions formed during the Eburnean orogeny.

Spanning 1,000 km from Côte d’Ivoire to Niger, this belt covers 22% of Burkina Faso, hosting 90% of its deposits in north-south trending arcs of greenstones separated by granitoids. Mineralization arises from orogenic processes: hydrothermal fluids migrated along shear zones during 2.1-2.0 Ga compression, depositing gold in quartz-carbonate veins with pyrite and arsenopyrite at grades of 1-10 g/t.

The Houndé Belt, in the southwest (Tuy Province), is a 200-km corridor of high-grade orogenic gold in brittle-ductile shears at 100-500 m depths. Its volcano-sedimentary package—tholeiitic basalts overlain by andesites and turbidites—intruded by TTG plutons, favors vein systems like those at Houndé Mine (4.2 Moz reserves). Northeastward, the Oudalan-Goren Belt (Essakane region) features alluvial and hard-rock deposits from Pan-African reactivation, with metasediments and rhyolites yielding 2.3 Moz at Essakane.

Major mineralized zones include the Boromo-Goren Belt (central-west), with its NNE-SSW trend and gold in exhalative cherts, and the Banfora Belt (southwest), rich in Tarkwaian conglomerates akin to Ghana’s paleoplacers. Why so rich? Birimian metamorphism (greenschist facies) and fluid-rock interactions concentrated Au from volcanic sources, enhanced by 2.17 Ga plume-related basalts in Mana District. Over 800 artisanal sites overlay prospects, with geochemical anomalies in Tapoa and Léraba signaling extensions.

Visualize the layout: From Bobo-Dioulasso, the Houndé arc curves northeast through Ouagadougou to Dori (600 km), with Houndé 300 km west, Essakane 600 km northeast, and Mana 400 km southwest—linked by N1/N5 highways, though security corridors are essential. This geology sustains 60+ tonnes/year and promises decades more, rivaling Ghana’s Ashanti Belt.

Major Mines Contributing to Gold Reserves

Burkina Faso’s reserves materialize through premier mines blending foreign tech and state equity. Here’s an overview.

Essakane Gold Mine (Oudalan Province): 85% IAMGOLD (Canada), 15% state. Proven/probable reserves: 2.3 Moz at 1.2 g/t; resources: 4.0 Moz. Open-pit with 12,000 tpd CIL plant yields 400,000-440,000 oz/year over 10 years. H1 2025 output: 181,000 oz (down 28.7% YoY on grades), but full-year target holds at 400,000-440,000 oz, rebounding via Essakane-North.

Houndé Gold Mine (Tuy Province): 90% Endeavour Mining, 10% state. Reserves: 4.2 Moz at 1.7 g/t. Open-pit/underground ops produce 260,000-290,000 oz/year (10-year life). 2024: 278,000 oz at $1,000/oz AISC; Kari pumps boost 2025 volumes.

Mana Gold Mine (Balé Province): Fortuna Silver Mines (Canada). Reserves: 1.1 Moz at 2.8 g/t. Underground focus: 180,000-200,000 oz/year (12 years). 2024: 190,000 oz; Wona expansion adds 50,000 oz/year.

Boungou Mine (Tapoa Province): Nationalized to SOPAMIB (2025). Reserves: 0.8 Moz at 3.5 g/t. Capacity: 90,000 oz/year (8 years). Post-security restart targets 2025 contributions.

Youga Mine (Boulgou Province): Soleil Resources (Mauritius). Reserves: 0.6 Moz at 2.0 g/t. Open-pit: 80,000-100,000 oz/year (7 years). October 2024 restart drives 4% national growth.

Wahgnion Mine (Léraba Province): SOPAMIB (nationalized 2025). Reserves: 1.0 Moz at 1.5 g/t. Capacity: 140,000 oz/year (10 years). 2024: 130,000 oz despite attacks; exploration expands potential.

Standouts like Sanbrado (West African Resources: 1.5 Moz, 206,000 oz 2024) and Kiaka (4.8 Moz resources, 219,000 oz/year from Q3 2025) bolster totals. These—gold mines Burkina Faso, Essakane reserves, Houndé mine gold—drive 50+ tonnes/year, with 85/15 foreign/state splits fostering growth.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Reserves

ASGM is Burkina Faso’s economic backbone, producing 15-30 tonnes/year—up to 50% of total output—and employing 430,000-1 million across 440+ sites, outpacing industrial volumes in some estimates. It taps informal reserves of 200-300 tonnes in alluvial placers and shallow veins, often in southwest (Djikando) and northeast sites, using pans and mercury for 0.5-2 g/t yields. By September 2025, state collections hit 29.5 tonnes, a record signaling formalization gains.

Potential from these sites: 100+ tonnes if regulated, per EITI, but challenges loom. Mercury use (90% sites) causes health crises like Minamata disease; environmental toll includes deforestation (10,000 ha/year) and river pollution.

Safety risks—unstable pits, child labor (10% workforce)—and conflicts with industrials over concessions exacerbate issues, while smuggling siphons 50% output, costing $500M/year.

Benefits shine in rural resilience: ASGM sustains families amid climate-hit agriculture, with women (20-30% participants) crushing ore and sluicing, though facing gender disparities and silicosis from dust.

Initiatives like planetGOLD (completed March 2025) introduced mercury-free tech, training 10,000 miners and shortening supply chains for direct market access. ANEEMAS cooperatives and VSLA groups formalize ops, curbing illicit trade.

Integrating ASGM—via traceability and incentives—could unlock reserves sustainably, equitably boosting output to 70 tonnes by 2027.

Government Policies on Gold Reserves and Mining

The 2024 Mining Code overhaul signals Burkina Faso’s resource sovereignty push, effective July 31, 2024, via Law No. 016-2024/ALT. Licensing: Exploration permits (3 years, renewable) require EIAs and consultations, granted only to entities; exploitation licenses span 10 years (down from 20), with state free-carried 15% equity (up from 10%), plus optional 30% paid stake.

Royalties: Progressive 6-7% for gold >$2,000/oz (from 3-5%), capturing windfalls; 1% monthly turnover contribution funds communities. Taxes: 27.5% corporate rate, 1% development levy, 20% capital gains on transfers. Export rules: Mandatory SONASP refining for 99.9% purity, BNAF oversight combats fraud; dore faces higher duties than bars.

Incentives: 5-year tax holidays for new mines, equipment exemptions, 10-year stability on non-mining taxes; local processing mandates (thresholds by decree). Reserves assessed via JORC audits, with ITIE-BF transparency. Policies generated $880M in 2023, prioritizing 80% local workforce. Balancing nationalism with appeal, they foster a $1B FDI sector.

Security and Its Impact on Gold Reserves

Security shadows Burkina Faso’s gold narrative, with Sahel jihadists (JNIM, ISGS) displacing 2 million since 2015, contesting 40% of territory. Attacks—like Boungou’s 2024 assault (6 killed)—triggered closures at seven mines since 2022, cutting industrial output 10-15%.

Consequences ripple: Essakane/Wahgnion suspensions shaved 5 tonnes in 2024; exploration budgets fell 20%, with Nordgold pausing drills. Re-evaluations apply “security discounts,” hiking AISC 15-20% for escorts ($200M/year industry-wide). FDI dipped post-nationalizations, eroding confidence amid perceived risks.

Adaptations emerge: Endeavour’s $50M security spend, VDP militias on routes; 2025 Youga restarts signal recovery. Royalties fund defense, but 30% sites affected persist. Balanced, risks temper but don’t eclipse potential.

Future Gold Reserve Potential in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso’s gold upside gleams, with 2025 projects set to inflate reserves 20-30%. Kiaka’s launch (4.8 Moz resources) eyes 219,000 oz/year; Toega adds 2025 output. Houndé/Mana expansions could yield 2 Moz combined.

Investments surge: Nordgold’s Niou (20t over 8 years, $500M inflow); WAF satellites. Unexplored Tapoa/Léraba zones, via DGMG AI-geophysics, predict 500+ tonnes. Surveys forecast 10-15 discoveries by 2030, pushing 70 tonnes/year. Gold reserve potential Burkina Faso, exploration opportunities abound in greenfields.

Gold Export Market & Reserve Utilization

Exports anchor Burkina Faso’s economy: 2023’s 60 tonnes fetched $7.18B, mainly to Switzerland ($5.95B), UAE ($816M), India ($169M). 2024: $4.64B from 60.8 tonnes; 2025 eyes 55.7t industrial + ASGM. Reserves sustain capacity, with SONASP refining to 99.9%.

Destinations diversify: UAE processes 10-15% for Asia; Switzerland refines legacy flows. Volumes yield surpluses, but smuggling erodes 20-30%. Refining/certification (LBMA) combats illicit trade. International buyers increasingly prefer sourcing through licensed exporters like Buy Gold Bars Africa Limited, who ensure traceability, refinery certification, and safe delivery.

Reserves thus power a $4B+ market, enhancing reliability.

Investment Opportunities in Burkina Faso’s Gold Sector

Burkina Faso beckons with mining shares (WAF up 50% 2025), concessions (Niou greenfield), and gold purchases via exporters. Benefits: Low AISC ($1,000-1,200/oz vs. $2,800 spot), 15-20% IRRs, $1B FDI. Youthful labor (4.94% unemployment) aids ops.

Risks: Security ($200M costs), nationalizations (five assets 2025), policy flux. Versus Ghana (stable, saturated) or Mali (similar risks, 85t output), Burkina’s 60t + upside suits bold investors. JVs in ESG-ASGM yield stability.

FAQs about Burkina Faso Gold Reserves

How much gold does Burkina Faso have in reserves?

Proven/probable: >600 tonnes; resources: >1,000 tonnes.

Is Burkina Faso rich in gold?

Yes, Africa’s 4th producer (60t 2024), with Birimian riches.

Which mines have the largest reserves?

Houndé (4.2 Moz), Essakane (2.3 Moz).

Is it safe to invest in gold mining in Burkina Faso?

Moderate risk; security persists, but reforms attract $1B FDI.

How accurate are gold reserve estimates?

High via JORC; audits reliable, though exploration gaps noted.

Can foreigners buy gold from Burkina Faso?

Yes, via licensed channels with certified exports.

Conclusion

Burkina Faso emerges as a gold-rich powerhouse, its 600+ tonne reserves and 60t output cementing continental significance. Growth to 70t by 2027 via Kiaka and exploration promises transformation, navigating security and reforms for prosperity.

Potential is vast: New mines, $500M inflows, undiscovered riches. Trusted dealers/exporters are key—Gold Bar Suppliers Africa ltd exemplifies secure African gold access. As Burkina refines its legacy, it beckons global partners to its golden dawn.