The Senegalese Armed Forces dismantled 43 illegal gold mining operations in May 2025 across the eastern region of Kédougou, a strategic area rich in mineral resources and vulnerable to cross-border smuggling. The military’s Operation Orientale 1, led by Military Zone No. 4, targeted unregulated sites in border communities including Bougouda, Bantanko, Fagoudou, Moussala, Moura, and Saraya in the Falémé corridor near Mali. According to the Armed Forces’ May bulletin, 47 individuals were arrested during the operation. Authorities seized 77 motor pumps, motorcycles, generators, and other equipment, which have been transferred to the National Gendarmerie for legal action.
The operation reflects growing national concern over the scale of illegal mining, which threatens both environmental stability and economic transparency. Gold remains one of Senegal’s top exports, with the extractive sector generating over 236 billion CFA francs in the first half of 2024. Gold alone accounted for 106,579 troy ounces valued at more than 154 billion CFA francs and made up nearly 30% of the country’s mineral exports.
Yet, much of this production escapes government oversight. A 2024 SWISSAID report estimated that 36 to 41 tonnes of gold—valued at up to $2.71 billion—were smuggled out of Senegal between 2013 and 2022, primarily routed through Mali to the United Arab Emirates. Only around 10% of artisanal gold production passes through licensed traders.
Experts link the problem to weak regulatory enforcement and the 2018 introduction of a 4% export tax, which is believed to have driven small-scale miners toward illegal channels. The government is under increasing pressure to reform mining policy, improve transparency, and secure its borders to protect national revenue.
